Smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes seized in Nagaland
KOHIMA, Sept 6: In a significant breakthrough against illegal trade, smuggled foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs 1.29 crore were seized in Nagalands Peren district, officials said on Saturday. A team of the Assam Rifles and the Nagaland Police intercepted a truck carrying a large consignment of foreign-origin cigarettes illegally in the Tening area on Friday, []
Nagaland CM Rio unveils major education overhaul at Teachers Day celebration
KOHIMA, Sept 5: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday announced a series of transformative educational reforms aimed at aligning the states education system with national and global standards. Addressing the state-level Teachers Day celebration here, the CM reiterated the governments commitment to building a strong, inclusive, and future-ready education sector. Among the key initiatives []
Nagalands ruling NDPP to discuss proposal for merger with NPF
KOHIMA, Sept 5: Nagalands ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Friday said it will soon deliberate on a proposal for a possible merger with the Naga Peoples Front (NPF). In a statement issued by NDPPs media and communication committee, the party, however, clarified that no decision has been taken yet, and dismissed reports suggesting []
Nagaland assembly passes bills on state finance commission, flood plain zoning
KOHIMA, Sept 4: The Nagaland assembly on Thursday passed two bills pertaining to the state finance commission and zoning of flood plains of rivers. The Nagaland State Finance Commission Bill, 2025 and The Nagaland Flood Plain Zoning Bill, 2025 were introduced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio, on the first []
Safe on paper but unsafe in life: What NARI 2025 reveals about Indias cities
The NARI 2025 report, covering 12,770 women across 31 cities, paints a mixed picture of safety in urban India. While Mumbai, Kohima and Visakhapatnam rank among the safest, cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Patna fall at the bottom. Six in ten women reported feeling safe, but 40 per cent admitted they do not. Harassment remains underreported, trust in authorities is low, and night-time mobility is fraught with fear. The findings stress that safety goes beyond crime numbers and touches every part of womens lives.
4 NE cities among 7 safest for women in India; Ranchi, Srinagar get lowest scores: NARI survey
A recent survey across 31 major Indian cities reveals significant disparities in women's safety. Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar lead as the safest, while Ranchi and Srinagar lag behind. The 'NARI 2025' index highlights that a considerable percentage of women feel unsafe, particularly at night, with harassment prevalent in neighborhoods and transport, and a majority of incidents going unreported.
Mumbai, Kohima Safest For Women; Patna, Jaipur, Delhi Least Safe: Report
Kohima, Bhubaneswar, and Mumbai have emerged as the safest cities in the country for women, while Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were ranked the lowest, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety 2025.'
Mumbai, Kohima safest for women; Patna, Jaipur, Delhi least safe: NARI report
The nationwide index released based on a survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, placed the national safety score at 65%, categorising cities as much above, above, below or much below this benchmark
NEW DELHI: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar and Mumbai have emerged as the safest cities in the country for women, while Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were ranked the lowest, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025. The nationwide index released on Thursday, based on a survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, placed the national safety score at 65 per cent, categorising cities as much above, above, at, elow or much below this benchmark. Kohima and other top-ranked cities were associated with stronger gender equity, civic participation, policing and women-friendly infrastructure. At the other end of the spectrum, cities like Patna and Jaipur fared poorly due to weak institutional responsiveness, patriarchal norms and gaps in urban infrastructure. Kohima, Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, Mumbai lead national safety rankings, often correlating with higher gender equity, infrastructure, policing, or civic participation while Ranchi, Srinagar, Kolkata, Delhi, Faridabad, Patna, and Jaipur scored lowest, correlating with poorer infrastructure, patriarchal norms, or weaker institutional responsiveness, the report said. Overall, six in ten women surveyed felt safe in their city, but 40 per cent still considered themselves ot so safe or unsafe. The study revealed sharp drops in perceptions of safety at night, particularly in public transport and recreational spaces. Educational institutions (86 per cent safe) especially in daylight, but safety perceptions fall sharply at night or off-campus. About 91 per cent of women reported safety, yet about half were unclear if their workplace had a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy; those with such policies generally rated them as effective. Only one-fourth of women said they trusted authorities to act effectively on safety complaints. While 69 per cent said current safety efforts were somewhat adequate, over 30 per cent noted significant gaps or failures; only 65 per cent perceived real improvement over the years 2023-2024. Seven per cent of women said they experienced harassment in public spaces in 2024, with the figure doubling to 14 per cent among those under 24. Neighbourhoods (38 per cent) and public transport (29 per cent) were most often flagged as harassment hotspots. Yet, only one in three victims came forward to report the incidents. The report stressed that official crime data alone cannot reflect women's lived reality. Two out of three women do not report harassment, meaning NCRB misses the bulk of incidents, the study said, calling for integration of crime data with perception-based surveys like NARI. Launching the report, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said safety cannot be seen merely as a law-and-order issue but as one that affects every aspect of a woman's life whether it is her education, health, work opportunities and freedom of movement. She added that when women feel unsafe, hey limit themselves, and women limiting themselves is not only for their own development, but also for the development of the country. She emphasised that a safe environment was crucial for building a developed and inclusive India, pointing to four dimensions of women's security of physical, psychological, financial and digital nature. It is our responsibility to protect women not just from crimes on the streets but also from cybercrimes, economic discrimination and mental harassment, Rahatkar noted. Highlighting positive measures, she praised the growing presence of women police officers and female drivers in public transport as effective confidence-building steps. In many Union Territories, 33 per cent of police personnel are now women, and this has made a decisive difference in building trust, she said. She also lauded initiatives such as women's helplines, CCTV coverage in smart cities, and improved safety networks at railway stations and bus depots. At the same time, Rahatkar urged society at large to share responsibility. We often blame the system, but we must also ask what we have done. Whether it is using helplines, supporting awareness drives, or simply keeping public toilets clean, society's role is equally important, she said. The NARI index has been conceived by The NorthCap University and Jindal Global Law School and is published by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA).
Missing 9-Year-Old Dimapur Girl Rescued from Arunachal; Five Held
HT DIGITAL KOHIMA, AUGUST 28: One nine-year-old girl who disappeared from Rengma Colony in Dimapur, Nagaland, on August 3 has been rescued from Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by Dimapur police on August 22, as per a release made by Dimapur DCP (crime) on Wednesday. The rescued child is being kept at Child Welfare Committee Home, []
Ajay Kumar Bhalla sworn in as Nagaland Governor; vows to uphold legacy of late La Ganesan
GUWAHATI: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was on Monday sworn in as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland. He was administered the oath of office by Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar at the Raj Bhawan in Kohima. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and ministers were among dignitaries present. Bhalla was given the additional charge of Nagaland following the demise of incumbent Governor La Ganesan . Addressing the people of the state, Bhalla said he had assumed the office of the Governor with a profound sense of duty and immense humility. I am deeply mindful of the trust reposed on me by our countrys leadership led by the President of India and the Prime Minister. This appointment is not merely an opportunity to serve, but a sacred responsibility bestowed upon me to work for the welfare of the people of Nagaland and for the progress of our great nation, he stated. Stating that the sudden demise of Ganesan has left a void that is deeply felt across the state and the country, Bhalla said Ganesan was a peoples Governor who demystified the Raj Bhavan, throwing its doors open to the common citizen, and served with a rare blend of dedication, selflessness and empathy. He has set a benchmark of public service that I can only aspire to follow. While his are very big shoes to fill, I assure that I will strive to uphold the highest traditions of this honoured position and to live up to the expectations of the people, the Governor said. He said Nagaland, with its rich cultural diversity, scenic beauty and resilience of the people, has always fascinated him. As we look to the future, we must build on the foundations laid by those before us. Nagaland is brimming with immense potential. The entrepreneurial spirit of our youth, the unique traditions of organic farming and horticulture, the untapped possibilities in tourism, and the rich heritage of art and crafts present a formidable opportunity for sustainable and inclusive growth, he said.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla To Be Sworn In As Nagaland Governor On Aug 25
Kohima, Aug 22: Ajay Kumar Bhalla will be sworn in as the new governor of Nagaland on Monday, an official said. Bhalla the governor of Manipur has been given additional charge of Nagaland following the death of La Ganesan on August 15 at a Chennai hospital, the official said. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, on Monday, according to an official invitation. Welcoming Bhalla on behalf of the people of Nagaland, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said [] The post Ajay Kumar Bhalla To Be Sworn In As Nagaland Governor On Aug 25 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Nagaland Declares Seven-Day State Mourning After Governor La Ganesans Demise
HT DIGITAL KOHIMA, AUGUST 16: Nagaland government has announced a seven-day state mourning from August 16 as a tribute to Governor La Ganesan, who died at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Friday night. He was 80 years old. During the period of mourning, the National Flag will be hoisted at half-mast on all government establishments []
Nagaland: 5 tribes to stay away from govt functions amid fiasco over reservation policy
KOHIMA, Aug 9: Expressing anguish over the composition of the commission that has been formed to review Nagalands reservation policy, the Five-Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy (CORRP) on Saturday announced that it will abstain from all state government functions, including the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. The decision was announced after a three-hour-long closed-door []
Bomb scare in city leads to seizure of cannabis
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 18: An abandoned bag at Polo Market on Friday afternoon caused panic among the public. The police cordoned off the area after a black bag was found abandoned at Polo Market at around 2 pm. A man identified as Nijimu Fithu (24), resident of Kenuozou Colony, Kohima Sadar, Nagaland, arrived [] The post Bomb scare in city leads to seizure of cannabis appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Abandoned bag found in Polo Bazar contains ganja
Shillong, July 18: A black bag found abandoned at Polo Bazar on Friday at around 2 pm. Shortly after its discovery, a man identified as Nijimu Fithu (24), a resident of Kenuozou Colony, Kohima Sadar, Nagaland arrived at the scene and claimed ownership of the bag. Despite his claim, the Bomb Disposal Team followed standard [] The post Abandoned bag found in Polo Bazar contains ganja appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Nagaland tribes demand review, reallocation of job quotas
Organizations protested in Kohima, Nagaland, urging a review of the state's job reservation policy, which has been in place since 1977. The 5-Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy demanded either the policy's abolishment or the reallocation of unfilled reserved positions to the Ao, Angami, Lotha, Rengma, and Sumi tribes.
Three dead, flight operation suspended as heavy rain wreaks havoc across Nagaland
JULY: Three people died, flight operations were suspended and vehicular movement was disrupted on National Highway 29 as incessant rain for the past few days caused flooding across Nagaland, officials said on Monday. Three persons, including a woman, were electrocuted to death in their homes in Dimapur, where floodwaters entered residential areas, while people were seen wading through chest-deep water, they said. The tragic incidents occurred over the weekend in Burma Camp and Kuda Village, the officials said. Flight operations at Dimapur Airport were completely suspended on Sunday after heavy rain inundated the runway and parking areas, an Airport Authority of India official said here. Multiple flights, including those of IndiGo and Air India Express, were cancelled, and passengers were advised to seek updates directly from airlines, he said. The crucial National Highway 29, connecting Dimapur with Kohima, also bore the brunt of the deluge. Landslides triggered by heavy rain have blocked sections of the four-lane highway, severely affecting vehicular movement and posing risks to commuters, the officials said. Dimapur, Kohima and Niuland were the most affected districts with reports of submerged bridges, extensive damage to homes, fisheries, and paddy fields, raising fears of food insecurity, they said. In Niuland district, as many as 70 villages have been affected by the deluge. Floodwaters rose as high as three feet in Half-Nagarjan in Dimapur, forcing residents to use boats and even swim. The district authorities said 52 people were rescued from severely inundated areas as part of ongoing evacuation operations. No fresh rainfall since last night has allowed water levels to gradually recede. However, officials remain on alert as more rain is expected in the coming days, Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Dr Tinojongshi Chang told PTI. The DC also stated that the local administration and the District Disaster Management Authority will hold a coordination meeting during the day to assess the situation as the IMD has forecast heavy rain for the week. As monsoon rain continues to batter the region, state authorities and disaster management agencies are on high alert, with citizens urged to avoid flood-prone zones and remain vigilant.
NPP can become voice of NE region: Conrad
Kohima, June 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asserted that his party NPP can become the voice the Northeast has waited for if party workers remain rooted, practical and connected. He lamented that the region has long lacked a unified political voice and is often underrepresented in national decision-making. The National Peoples Party (NPP) president [] The post NPP can become voice of NE region: Conrad appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Sowed tears to reap political comeback: CM
By Our Reporter SHILLONG, June 28: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday said two months of tears laid the foundation for his political comeback less than a decade ago. Speaking at the 5th Regional Catholic Youth Convention in Kohima, he shared how the crushing loss in the 2013 Assembly election broke him and then [] The post Sowed tears to reap political comeback: CM appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Next Stop Aizawl, Kohima: Railways Shifts Focus To Northeast After Linking Srinagar & Rameswaram
The last time a north-eastern capital received railway connectivity was in 2016, when trains reached Tripuras Agartala through Broad Gauge
Trinity College London honours local teachers
SHILLONG, June 3: In a vibrant celebration of educational innovation, Trinity College London on Tuesday felicitated dedicated local teachers for their pivotal role in nurturing music, performance, communication and 21st-century skills among young learners. The felicitation events, held in Dimapur, Kohima, Guwahati, and culminating in Shillong at the Taj Vivanta, underscored a shared commitment to [] The post Trinity College London honours local teachers appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Earliest monsoon onset in Maharashtra in 35 years
The southwest monsoon arrived in Maharashtra on Sunday, making it the earliest onset of the annual rainfall season over the state in 35 years, according to the India Meteorological Department. The monsoon is expected to advance to Mumbai and some other parts over the next three days. The monsoon advanced into some more parts of the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, entire Goa, parts of Maharashtra, north Bay of Bengal, and parts of Mizoram, parts of Manipur and Nagaland on Sunday. The northern limit of monsoon passes through Devgad, Belagavi, Haveri, Mandya, Dharmapuri, Chennai, Aizawl and Kohima. Conditions are favorable for further advance into some more parts of central Arabian Sea, more parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru, some parts of Andhra Pradesh, remaining parts of Tamil Nadu, more parts of west-central and North Bay of Bengal and some more parts of North Eastern states during next three days. The southwest monsoon hit Kerala on Saturday, marking its earliest arrival over the Indian mainland since 2009.
Union Minister Chouhan announces Rs 380 cr package for farmers welfare in Nagaland
Kohima, May 16: In a significant boost to Nagalands agricultural sector, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a Rs 380-crore package for farmers welfare. Chouhan, the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, made the announcement during the inauguration of the Administrative-cum-Academic Block and Farmers Fair at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at Jalukie in Peren district on Thursday, a government statement said. He urged the Nagaland government to draft a detailed agriculture development action plan to [] The post Union Minister Chouhan announces Rs 380 cr package for farmers welfare in Nagaland appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
