Tripura BJP MLA faces police probe over remarks on tribal food habits
Tripura ex-CM Manik Sarkar calls for nationwide movement against BJP govt
Sell off Bengal property in 8 weeks, Calcutta HC orders Mizoram govt
Pocso convict who fled Champhai prison held in Myanmar
PM Modi virtually inaugurates tribal museum in Mizoram on Birsa Mundas 151st birth anniv
After 400km march, Adi group sets 2-day deadline for Arunachal govt to respond to Siang dam demands
Bhaona stages a comeback through 60 Tezpur University students
Pharmacy Week puts spotlight on antimicrobial resistance
1.16L declared foreigners yet to be detained, expelled; HC sees grim picture
2 discharged, 4 among 14 in hospital critical
Kaziranga crash: Minibus lacked speed limiting device; owner sent to cop custody
Combing ops on along Myanmar border amid infiltration fears: Manipur home min
Assam earmarks Rs 50cr for Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University
Thousands join Chhath Puja celebrations, traffic restrictions imposed
15- Chhath puja celebration- Tathagata
Lakhs gather at 560 Chhath ghats across western Assam
Protesters detained during Cachar blockade over poor roads
Landslide debris, potholes hamper NH-27 traffic, Dima Hasao residents flag risks
3 Girls Of A Family Among 26 Killed In Assam Truck-Bus Collision
According to their father, his two younger daughters, aged 20 and 16, left home with their cousin. His eldest daughter is married and lives in Burapahar.
New Imphal-Silchar flight service to boost Manipur's air connectivity
Digital Desk | Imphal, Nov 15 (IANS) In a move aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity, improving accessibility and providing greater convenience to air travellers, flight services on the Imphal-Silchar (Assam)-Imphal route will commence from November 24, officials said on Sunday. An official of the Manipur government said that the state Transport Department has initiated the process for the commencement of flight services on the Imphal-Silchar-Imphal route with effect from November 24. He added that the service would operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme of the Manipur government. The flights will be operated by Alliance Air under the VGF arrangement between the airline and the state government. The official noted that with the addition of the Imphal-Silchar-Imphal sector, the state's VGF scheme would now cover four routes -- Imphal-Guwahati, Imphal-Dimapur, Imphal-Kolkata and Imphal-Silchar. The new flight service is expected to provide an additional and convenient travel option for the people of Manipur, strengthen air connectivity with the Barak Valley region of southern Assam and facilitate easier access for trade, commerce, education, healthcare and other essential activities. The initiative is also expected to contribute to promoting economic activities, improving regional mobility and fostering stronger economic and social linkages between Manipur and neighbouring areas. Meanwhile, the Manipur government has earlier repeatedly urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to intervene to bring down the steep airfares on routes connecting Imphal and ensure the introduction of additional flights to ease the difficulties faced by air travellers. Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai had earlier held a series of meetings with the Civil Aviation Secretary and senior officials of the Ministry, drawing their attention to the civil aviation-related challenges faced by the people of Manipur. During the meetings, Bajpai highlighted that exorbitant airfares charged by airlines, including IndiGo, Air India Express and Alliance Air, were causing considerable hardship to passengers. He said that air ticket prices on Imphal-connected routes were reportedly five to six times higher than those prevailing in other Northeastern states. Bajpai, who holds the Transport, Textiles, Commerce and Industry departments, also added that the government guidelines on airfare capping were not being followed on routes connecting Imphal. He also highlighted that the number of aircraft operating on these sectors had declined since October, further aggravating the connectivity-related difficulties faced by the people. He also told the Union Civil Aviation Ministry that Alliance Air had discontinued services on several important routes, including Imphal-Silchar, Imphal-Aizawl and Imphal-Dibrugarh, and urged the Ministry to take necessary steps to facilitate their immediate revival. In addition, the state government requested the Centre to reconsider the inclusion of these routes under the UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme-RCS-UDAN), citing strong public demand and the need to improve affordable air connectivity in the region. The Manipur government has said that improved air connectivity is essential for facilitating the movement of people, strengthening trade and commerce, and ensuring better access to education, healthcare and other essential services, particularly in view of the state's geographical location and connectivity challenges. The proposed resumption of the Imphal-Silchar-Imphal flight service is expected to provide another important air link for the people of landlocked Manipur while strengthening connectivity with southern Assam.
Arunachal Governor calls for enhanced vigilance, coordination along Myanmar border
Digital Desk | Itanagar, Nov 15 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday stressed the need for heightened vigilance and seamless coordination among the Army, Assam Rifles, State Police, intelligence agencies and civil administration to effectively address security challenges along the international border with Myanmar. The Governor has chaired a security review meeting at Namsai focusing on strengthening border management, expediting border fencing and intensifying the campaign against drug trafficking in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. In his continuous efforts to expedite the border fencing, Governor Parnaik convened the second meeting at Namsai attended by representatives of all agencies involved in the project, a senior official of the Lok Bhavan in Itanagar said. The Governor said that a comprehensive security review of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts was essential to safeguard peace, stability and public confidence in this strategically important region. Highlighting the importance of border infrastructure, Lieutenant General Parnaik (Retd) said that the decision to undertake border fencing had been taken after careful consideration and that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had already issued necessary directions. He stressed the need for expeditious action on the ground. Expressing concern over delay in border fencing and cross-border narcotics trafficking, the Governor called for a coordinated 'Whole of the State' approach, on the lines of the 'Whole of the Nation' approach, to effectively address security challenges. He advised regular coordination meetings among security agencies, district administration and state Police to assess the security situation, identify emerging threats, ensure timely information-sharing and formulate coordinated responses. Major General H.S. Mavi, Inspecor General of Assam Rifles (North), Brigadier Adarsh Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Assam Rifles, S.K. Verma, and the Chief Engineer of Border Roads Organisation's Project Udayak and Apur Bitin, Inspecor General of Police (Law and Order), participated in the discussion. The Deputy Commissioners, Lobsang Tsering (Namsai), R.D. Thungon (Changlang) and Badonlum Tawsik (Tirap), along with ADC Pebika Lego (Longding), apprised the Governor of progress on the ground, implementation-related issues and administrative challenges concerning border fencing and anti-drug initiatives. Kirli Padu, Changlang Superintendent of Police; Sange Thinley, Namsai Superintendent of Police (SP), and Thuptan Jambey, Longding SP, briefed the Governor on security concerns, progress of border fencing and measures to strengthen the anti-drug campaign.
Five militants, Myanmar arms supplier arrested in Manipur; security operations to be intensified
Digital Desk | Imphal, Nov 15 (IANS) Security forces have arrested five militants belonging to different outlawed outfits and a Myanmar national allegedly involved in arms smuggling, recovering a cache of sophisticated foreign-made weapons and ammunition during separate operations in Manipur over the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. A police official said that Assam Rifles personnel apprehended the Myanmar national, identified as Soetunou (48), a resident of Tamu in Myanmar, near Border Pillar No. 75 along the India-Myanmar border. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of three individuals carrying arms and ammunition across the international border. While one person was apprehended, the other two managed to flee towards Myanmar, which shared around 400 km unfenced boder with Myanmar. The weapons and ammunition recovered from the arrested Myanmar national included three AK-47 rifles with three magazines, 172 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, three grenades of different types, including a Chinese grenade, a 40-mm high-explosive (HE) rifle grenade and an M-46 Lathode grenade, two telescopic sights and a steel ammunition box. In separate operations, security forces arrested five militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) from Bishnupur and Imphal East districts. According to officials, the arrested militants were allegedly involved in extortion, including the forcible collection of money from traders and government employees, kidnapping and other criminal activities. Meanwhile, a high-level security review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday decided to intensify the ongoing combing operations to apprehend those involved in various incidents of violence and criminal activities across the state. A senior official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had said the meeting also directed security personnel deployed at various security posts to further strengthen security arrangements in their respective areas of responsibility to prevent further incidents and maintain law and order. The meeting, held at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat at Babupara in Imphal, reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the state and discussed measures to improve the overall security environment. The security review was convened against the backdrop of recent violent incidents at Taphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district on Thursday and an ambush at New Heaven in Ukhrul district on Friday, in which five people lost their lives. On November 12, a Kuki woman was killed in a gunfight between two rival groups in Kangpokpi district. The following day, four Naga civilians, including two women, were killed in an attack by armed extremists in Ukhrul district.
Arunachal Governor flags Myanmar fence delays in Tirap, Changlang, Longding
At his second review on the fence, K T Parnaik told the Army, Assam Rifles, BRO and three district administrations to turn MHA directions into action. In June, Changlang had 4.14 km of its 7.3 km first phase done and work in Tirap had not begun.
Assam: HC flags over 1.16 lakh foreigners awaiting deportation
The Gauhati High Court has highlighted a very grim picture regarding the expulsion of foreigners in Assam, noting that 1,16,946 declared foreign nationals are yet to be apprehended and expelled. The observation came during the dismissal of a writ petition by a declared foreigner, Hamida Begum, whose legal challenges were exhausted, leading to her impending expulsion.
Owner of minibus in Assam accident that killed 26 arrested
Police arrested Anjir Ali from Nagaon district after the accident near Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district that killed 26, and suspect he tampered with the minibuss mandatory speed regulator to make it log more trips
Children Were Shouting 'Save Us': Eyewitness Recalls Assam Bus-Truck Crash
Locals and residents were the first to reach the accident spot when the Force Traveller collided head-on with a truck. At least 26 people were killed in the accident, while several others were injured and taken to nearby medical facilities.
New Delhi, Nov 15: The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, is organising the 3rd National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics & Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026) on November 16-17, 2026, at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, 15 Janpath, New Delhi, centered around the theme Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying Indias Digital Future. The conference assumes noteworthy significance in the present digital era, wherein the increasing dependence on digital technologies, the emergence of sophisticated cyber threats and the evolving nature of cybercrime have made cyber security and digital investigation critical areas of national importance. The journey of NCCDFI began in 2024 with its inaugural edition in Kohima, Nagaland, held from 2526 July 2024 at the Capital Convention Centre, Organised by NIELIT Kohima in collaboration with the Nagaland Police and the Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Nagaland. Building on the foundation laid in Kohima, the second edition of NCCDFI was held in 2025 at Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam. Drawing on the success of its preceding editions, the conference expanded its reach from a regional initiative into a broader national platform. The third edition aims to further strengthen this platform through wider participation, technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange and stronger collaboration among key stakeholders. NCCDFI 2026 will provide a knowledge-sharing platform for stakeholders from government, law enforcement, defence, judiciary, technology providers, industry, academia and the cybersecurity ecosystem to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and evolving challenges in digital investigations and cyber resilience. The conference will focus on strengthening coordination among agencies, enhancing capacity in cybersecurity and digital forensics, facilitating policy dialogue and exploring the application of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Security and Cyber Intelligence. NCCDFI 2026 is supported by a strong group of industry partners, bringing together leading organisations in digital forensics, cybersecurity and investigative technologies. The knowledge partners includes Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), CERT-In, Delhi Police, CyberPeace, Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, Maharashtra Cyber, Manipur Police, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Hyderabad, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The industry partners includes STELLAR, Power Forensics & Digital Intelligence, Magnet Forensics, MSAB, Cyint Technologies, 3rd Eye Techno Solutions, Advanced Digital Forensic Solutions, Inc., Oxygen Forensics and VERTEXON LABS. Their participation will contribute industry expertise, technology demonstrations and practical insights, strengthening the conferences focus on advancing capabilities in cybersecurity, digital forensics and digital investigations. The conference will focus on 10 key tracks covering the evolving cybersecurity landscape: Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, AI Security, Critical Infrastructure, Threat Intelligence, Blockchain & Crypto, Drone & IoT Forensics, Digital Evidence, Cyber Law, and Cloud Security. These tracks will bring together experts and practitioners to explore emerging threats, technological advancements, investigative techniques, regulatory developments and strategies for building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem. The two-day conference will feature an inaugural session, technical and business sessions, panel discussions, an industry exhibition and Cyber Kushti 2026 Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon. The technical sessions will cover key areas including national cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, incident response, AI-enabled cyber threats, automated digital investigations, cyber threat intelligence, financial cybercrime, advanced device and multimedia forensics, law-enforcement readiness, international cooperation, digital evidence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, frontier technologies, capacity building and the national cyber ecosystem. The exhibition during the conference will showcase technologies and solutions in digital forensics, cybersecurity, drone technology, surveillance systems and AI-driven security, with opportunities for technical interactions and business-to-business engagements. A key highlight of NCCDFI 2026, Cyber Kushti 2026- Cybersecurity & AI Hackathon, will be organised alongside the technical sessions. The three-level competition is structured around the themes of Review, Attack and Defend, reflecting critical aspects of modern cybersecurity operations. The hackathon has received an overwhelming response, with 1,031 teams comprising 3,093 participants registering for the competition. Of these, 923 teams (2,769 participants) have been shortlisted for Level 1, while 50 teams have qualified for Level 2 and 10 teams for Level 3. NCCDFI 2026 will also feature the signing of MoUs between NIELIT and industry partners, aimed at strengthening institutional partnership, knowledge exchange, joint initiatives, research and development, and capacity building in the fields of cyber security, digital forensics & intelligence, etc. These collaborations are envisaged to establish a framework for long-term cooperation and facilitate industry-academia engagement and promote future collaborative initiatives in these critical domains. Through NCCDFI 2026, NIELIT along with its supporting organisations and institutional partners, seeks to contribute towards strengthening professional competencies, fostering institutional collaboration and supporting the development of a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem in the country.
Assam Native Held for Killing 2-Yr-Old Daughter in Keralam
The accused, Paritosh Mandal, a labourer, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday and his arrest was recorded
Father Held For Toddler's Murder In Kerala
A 27-year-old man from Assam was arrested in Alappuzha, Kerala, for allegedly killing his two-year-old daughter by smashing her against the floor during a drunken argument with his wife. The incident occurred on Saturday night, and police were alerted by doctors after the family initially claimed the child fell.
Assam Congress writes to PM, seeks enhanced aid for victims of Kaziranga accident
In the letter, Debabrata Saikia expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the National Highway-715 stretch and alleged that the authorities' neglect of essential road safety measures was disturbing
Joint meeting assesses Bandipora
BANDIPORA: A joint security review meeting was held at the headquarters of 27 Assam Rifles, Bandipora, to review the prevailing security situation and assess the overall security preparedness in the district. The meeting was attended by SSP Bandipora, Commanding Officers of 14 RR, 13 RR and 27 Assam Rifles, Commanding Officers of 45 Bn CRPF []
NIELIT to organise 3rd National Conference on cyber security, digital forensics on Nov 16-17
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 15 (IANS) The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will organise the third National Conference on Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Intelligence (NCCDFI 2026) in the national capital on November 16-17, it was announced on Sunday. The two-day conference will be held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, under the theme 'Cyber Secure Bharat: Fortifying India's Digital Future'. The conference comes at a time when growing dependence on digital technologies, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats and the changing nature of cybercrime have made cybersecurity and digital investigations critical areas of national importance. NCCDFI aims to bring together stakeholders from government departments, law enforcement agencies, defence establishments, the judiciary, industry, academia and the technology sector to deliberate on emerging cyber threats and challenges in digital investigations. It will also focus on strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing capabilities in cybersecurity and digital forensics, and exploring emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain security and cyber intelligence. The conference, which began in 2024 with its inaugural edition in Kohima, Nagaland, was subsequently held at Gauhati University in Guwahati, Assam, in 2025. The third edition seeks to expand the national platform through greater participation, technology demonstrations, knowledge exchange and collaboration among key stakeholders. NCCDFI 2026 will feature 10 thematic tracks covering cybersecurity, digital forensics, AI security, critical infrastructure, threat intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency, drone and IoT forensics, digital evidence, cyber law and cloud security. The two-day event will include an inaugural session, technical and business sessions, panel discussions, an industry exhibition and Cyber Kushti 2026, a cybersecurity and AI hackathon. The technical deliberations will cover a wide range of subjects, including national cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, incident response, AI-enabled cyber threats, automated digital investigations, financial cybercrime, advanced device and multimedia forensics, law enforcement preparedness, international cooperation and digital evidence. Discussions will also explore quantum computing, autonomous systems, emerging technologies, capacity building and the national cyber ecosystem. The industry exhibition will showcase solutions and technologies in digital forensics, cybersecurity, drone technology, surveillance systems and AI-driven security. It will also provide opportunities for technical interactions and business-to-business engagements. A key highlight of the conference will be Cyber Kushti 2026, a three-level cybersecurity and AI hackathon structured around the themes of Review, Attack and Defend. The competition has received registrations from 1,031 teams, comprising 3,093 participants. Of these, 923 teams, representing 2,769 participants, have been shortlisted for Level 1, while 50 teams have qualified for Level 2 and 10 teams for Level 3.
Myanmar man held with 3 AK-47s on Manipur's most sensitive border stretch
Assam Rifles caught a 48-year-old from Tamu near Border Pillar 75 in Tengnoupal; two others fled into Myanmar. The state calls this stretch its most sensitive, and only about 55 km of its 398-km border is fenced.
Assam Rifles Recruitment 2026: 354 Technical
Assam Rifles Recruitment 2026 is officially open for 354 Technical and Tradesman posts. Check eligibility, age limits, and the application process for this fresh notification. Apply online before December 14, 2026.
Indian team, including Haryana cops, hogs limelight at Tent Pegging World Cup in Jordan
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Nov 15 (IANS) Haryana Police have demonstrated their sporting talent and excellence on the international stage. The Indian team delivered an impressive performance at the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup in Aqaba, Jordan, from November 11 to 14, winning three bronze medals and bringing laurels to the country. Haryana Polices participation in this prestigious international championship was particularly noteworthy, with ASI Jitender Kumar representing India as a team player and Head Constable Suresh Kumar discharging the important responsibility of national coach. The 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup witnessed participation from teams representing 10 countries, including India, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan and Yemen. Players from various countries showcased their talent, equestrian skills, precision and competitive abilities across different tent pegging events. The Indian team also participated with confidence, discipline and dedication, securing three bronze medals in the championship. The selection of Haryana Police ASI Jitender Kumar for the Indian team is a matter of pride for the state police. He represented the country as a member of the Indian contingent in this prestigious international competition. His participation reflects how Haryana Police personnel continue to demonstrate exceptional talent and capabilities in sports alongside their professional responsibilities of maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. Head Constable Suresh Kumar played a significant role as the national coach. His contribution in training the players, enhancing their technical skills and preparing them for international competition was commendable. His responsibility as the national coach also reflects the recognition of Haryana Polices sporting talent and expertise at the national level. The Indian contingent comprised players from the Indian Army, the Assam Rifles, the ITBP, besides Haryana Police. The six-member Indian team included two players from the Assam Rifles, two from the Indian Army, one from the ITBP and one from Haryana Police. Dhanraj was the captain of the team. The team included Bonge Ganesh, Sandeep Kumar, Dinesh Karlekar, Jitender Kumar and ITBPs Amit Chhetri, among others. Karlekar delivered an impressive performance, winning two bronze medals in individual events. Chhetri was also a member of the bronze medal-winning Indian team. With their collective efforts and outstanding performance, the Indian contingent secured three bronze medals in the championship. Congratulating the players and the coach on this achievement, Haryana Police Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said representing the country at the international level is a matter of immense pride and honour for every sportsperson. The Indian players have brought glory to the country through their hard work, discipline, dedication and outstanding sporting skills. He said that ASI Jitender Kumars representation in the Indian team and head Constable Suresh Kumars contribution as the national coach are matters of great pride for the entire Haryana Police Department. The DGP further stated that Haryana Police remain committed to encouraging and nurturing the sporting talent of its personnel and providing them with better opportunities at national and international levels. Achievements of police personnel in sports not only strengthen the positive image of the department but also inspire other police personnel and young people to pursue sports. He expressed confidence that Haryana Police sportspersons would continue to excel in national and international competitions and bring further laurels to the state and the country.
Assam: 1.16 lakh declared foreigners untraced, Gauhati HC calls it grim
The state told the High Court that 1,16,946 declared foreigners had not been apprehended or expelled by June 30. Assembly data shows how that compares with the 1.72 lakh identified and the 196 sent out since 2021.
Imphal: Two-time National Award-winning filmmaker Bobby Sarma Baruahs Tiwa-language feature, Sikaisal (If Only Trees Could Talk), received acclaim at the Tribal Frame 2026 National Tribal Film Festival in Manipur following its screening on November 13. The 104-minute fiction film from Assam portrays the struggle of a dedicated teacher trying to bring education to a remote [] The post Manipur: Assams Tiwa film Sikaisal explores rural education struggles at Tribal Frame 2026 appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Israel Kills Senior Hamas Commander Samir Abu Younis, Who Helped Plan October 7 Attack
Israel has killed senior Hamas commander Samir Abu Younis in an airstrike in southern Gaza, according to Hamas's armed wing. Abu Younis, who commanded the Rafah Brigade of the Al-Qassam Brigades, was identified by Hamas as one of the key figures involved in planning and overseeing the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Gogoi encounter: Assam rights panel has no chief to run SC-ordered probe
The Supreme Court asked the Assam Human Rights Commission in May 2025 to examine 171 police encounters. The commission now has one member out of three and has not even published the notice inviting victims' families to come forward.
No skirmish does not mean peace on border: Sungoh
Shillong, Nov 14: Chairman of the Hyniewtrep Border Development and Research Forum (HBDRF) Chandame Sungoh has said absence of skirmishes in Block I does not mean peace has returned to the border villages with Assam. The skirmishes have subsided because we are being too soft and we have resigned to our fate, Sungoh told reporters. [] The post No skirmish does not mean peace on border: Sungoh first appeared on Highland Post .
Protesters march in Kargil expressing solidarity with LAB leadership
Kargil, Nov 14:Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan, along with leaders of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), led a march here to express solidarity with the Leh Apex Body (LAB), including its member Sonam Wangchuk, over their demand for the deferment of the December 4 hill council elections. A day after police removed activist Wangchuk from a protest site in Leh and escorted him to his residence, the activist on Thursday claimed that he had been placed under house arrest. LAB and KDA have expressed resentment over the holding of hill council elections on December 4, citing harsh winter conditions and large-scale seasonal migration. Holding candles, the protesters held a Save Democracy march in Kargil district headquarters on Saturday. MP Hanifa Jan, along with KDA leaders including its co-chairmen Asgar Ali Karbalai and Sajjad Kargili, led the march with protesters chanting slogans in support of the demand for Wangchuk's elease. They extended solidarity to the people who have been holding protests under the banner of LAB for the past three days, seeking postponement of polls. LAB and KDA have been jointly engaged in a struggle for several years over the statehood issue and have been holding dialogue with the central government in support of an elected government and constitutional safeguards. Leh Apex Body has launched a sit-in protest in Leh over its six-point agenda...We are holding this march in Kargil in support of the agitation and to condemn the house arrest of Wangchuk, which is seen as an attempt to silence dissent, the Ladakh MP told PTI. For the past six years, he said the LAB and KDA have been struggling for democratic rights and constitutional safeguards in Ladakh. Despite repeated protests, demonstrations and discussions, little progress has been made, Jan said and alleged that decisions concerning elections and delimitation were being imposed by the Lt Governor administration without consulting the people, prompting widespread resentment across the region. He said the people of Ladakh, known for their peaceful nature, are now being compelled to take to the streets. We urge the government and UT administration to take cognisance of the growing public anger, restore democracy in Ladakh in accordance with the people's aspirations, and respect their democratic rights. Otherwise, this agitation will spread to every corner of Ladakh, the MP said. CRPF sacks jawan for posting death threat to commander on social media New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has terminated a jawan from service for allegedly posting messages on social media threatening to kill his commander, officials said on Saturday. Officials told PTI that the accused was identified as probationary Constable Pinak Nath from Assam who belonged to the Alpha Company of the CRPF's 33rd battalion based in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir. He had joined the force recently, they said. The jawan allegedly posted on a social media platform that he would kill his company commander and then himself, citing a recent incident in another force in which a jawan killed his senior and other colleagues using a service weapon, officials said. The battalion's Commanding Officer conducted an inquiry, following which Nath was terminated from service on Friday under the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Temporary Service) Rules, 1965, they said.
Rising education spending fails to translate into better learning outcomes: Experts
Srinagar, Nov 14: A sharp rise in public expenditure on education has failed to deliver corresponding improvements in learning outcomes. The experts flagged the inefficient utilisation of funds, uneven teacher deployment and gaps in accountability as major challenges confronting Indias school education system. The issue came into focus at the 13th School Choice National Conference (SCNC), organised by the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) at FICCI, New Delhi. The policymakers, educationists and researchers have called for shifting the focus of education financing from infrastructure and administrative inputs to measurable learning outcomes. During the conference, the experts stressed that combined education spending by the Centre and states increased from Rs 5.8 lakh crore in 2020-21 to around Rs 9.2 lakh crore in 2024-25. The Union Budget allocation for school education also rose from Rs 54,800 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 83,562 crore in 2026-27. Despite the increased spending, learning outcomes have not kept pace, even as enrolment patterns indicate a growing preference for private schools. Addressing the conference, Advisor to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, said the challenge facing the education system had shifted from bringing every child to school to ensuring that every child learns, irrespective of the institution they attend. Referring to the 1968 National Policy on Education, Wani said the priority then was to ensure access to schools, while the question in 2026 was whether every child was actually learning. He said that education expenditure must move beyond infrastructure creation and focus on teachers and human resources besides pointing out serious mismatches in teacher deployment, with some schools having teachers but no students, while others have students but no teachers. He called for addressing these imbalances and highlighted the importance of skill development and employability alongside strengthening school and higher education. During the conference, a report on tracing the Public Financing of School Education in India was released, which tracked public expenditure across five statesAssam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradeshover seven budget cycles from 2018-19 to 2024-25. The report exposed a significant imbalance in education spending, finding that salaries, grants and running costs accounted for between 92 and nearly 99 percent of school education expenditure across the states studied. It also flagged persistent gaps in reimbursement to private schools under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. As per the report, the reimbursement rates in 2024-25 ranged from just 11.5 percent of per-child expenditure in Uttar Pradesh to 77.7 percent in Assam. In his keynote address, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, V Vualnam said the country had a vast school education network comprising 14.67 lakh schools and 1.03 crore teachers. He questioned whether increasing layers of monitoring through biometrics, photographs and applications could adequately measure the actual effectiveness of teaching. During a discussion on public financing, speakers also questioned whether increasing allocations alone could improve education, pointing out that the relationship between resources, teaching quality and actual learning remained poorly understood. The conference further highlighted the fragmented structure of Indias school system. Former Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy, (DSEL) Sanjay Kumar said that while the Right to Education Act had delivered access, it was yet to deliver learning. He also pointed out that only about one in nine schools offered education up to Class 12, forcing many students to change institutions as they progressed. Around three in four children undergo three or more admissions between Classes 1 and 12, he added.
Srinagar, Nov 14:A bureaucrat, who served in Kashmir, has found his rhythm. As an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, he helped revive a forgotten school of miniature painting at Basohli, wrote extensively about Jammu and Kashmirs history and religion, and eventually walked away from the bureaucracy to write. Decades after conceiving a fairy tale about a slave and an angel, Parvez Dewan found an unlikely musical partner in Denmark, Kim Barner, who helped him breathe a new life in the story. Dewans Sanober and the Slave is a story first imagined as a rock opera that found the musical imagination of the Danish composer in a recording studio in Denmark, and finally onto a compact disc in London. Talking to Greater Kashmir over phone, Dewan said, I continue to work on my literary pursuits. Many years ago, I wrote the libretto for an Arabian Nights-style fairy tale Sanobar and the Slave. My old partner in Denmark, Kim Barner, composed the music and had it recorded as a rock opera on compact disc in England. This is our second CD and our second rock opera together. While the music would not be sold commercially in India, Dewan and Barner have decided to make both the music and lyrics available free on the internet. Dewan, a 1977-batch IAS officer, was born in Srinagar. Educated at St Stephens College, Delhi, and Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, he went on to become the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and held the post from 2001 to 2003. Dewan also held the post of Secretary in the Government of Indias Ministry of Tourism. In 2016, Dewan was appointed Advisor to Governor Narinder Nath Vohra. Barner, a Danish composer, singer, and producer has written hundreds of songs and several rock operas. The collaboration of Dewan and Barner is an unlikely meeting of two lives one shaped by the corridors of government, the other by the possibilities of music. The two got in touch during Dewans academic years at Cambridge University, through their late mutual associate Niels Holde. Barner went on to compose seven rock operas, two of which were done in collaboration with Dewan. For Dewan, Kashmir has had an organising presence. It appears in his administrative assignments, his research, his books, his encounters with forgotten traditions, and in the way he thinks about human aspiration. His books include A History of Kashmir, The People and Culture of Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, Religion in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh, The Other Kashmir, and Tibet: Fifty Years After. He may have left the secretariat, but the region that shaped his intellectual curiosity has never quite left his work. Dewan said that now a days, he is writing about Hindu-Muslim composite culture referred to as Ganga-Jamuni Tahzeeb in Uttar Pradesh, Shankar-Azan syncretic culture in Assam, and Kashmiriyat in Kashmir. He said this syncretic culture existed in India from the very moment Muslims landed in the region in 1192 CE. The first Muslim ruler in India in 1192 minted a coin of Lakshmi Devi, emperor Akbar had minted a coin of Ram and Sita. Three hundred years before that, rulers in Afghanistan had minted coins of Hindu deities. Hindus rulers in the region made Masjids for Muslims and Muslims constructed temples for Hindus, Dewan said. He said that when Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan referring to the death of an 85-year-old Hindu woman whose last rites were performed by two Muslim youth said, It happens only in Kerela, Satheesan seemed unaware of the syncretic culture of Kashmir where Muslims had been performing similar obligations for the Kashmiri Pandits for the past few decades. In reality, such syncretic culture can be found throughout the subcontinent from New Delhi to North West Frontier Province (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Dewan said. About his writings for rock opera, he said his first rock opera was Jennifer Merchant. It was also based on Kashmir. I wrote Watching Rainfall in the Dal when I lived in Jawahar Nagar, he said. For the European audience, we adopted it as Watching Rainfall in the Seine. Dewan said Sanober and the Slave was unlike European type story and totally an Arab type story. Sanober and the Slave is basically about a slave, Adnan, who works in a quarry. Sanober, an angel, comes to get a liquid that can only be found on earth. Adnan falls in love with her, but Sanober is not interested in him, he says about the story that he wrote years ago. Apart from Sanober and the Slave, Dewan also worked with Barner on The Odyssey and the duo is working together on their third joint project, which would be a double albumn. I have no commercial interest in these projects because it is Barner who puts his heart and soul into these projects, he said. Dewan says that almost all his work is inspired by Kashmir. No wonder, there is a distinctly Kashmiri thread running through his body of work.
Hamas commander killed in Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza
The Israeli military said on Sunday that its forces had targeted a senior member of Hamas's military wing, while Palestinian sources confirmed that a Hamas commander was killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza. Samir Abu Younis, a commander in Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in the strike, according to Palestinian sources in Gaza.
Hamas says senior armed commander killed in Israeli strike
Hamas' armed wing said on Sunday that a senior commander who helped plan and oversee the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel had been killed in an Israeli airstrike. The Al-Qassam Brigades identified the commander as Samir Abu Younis, 53, the commander of its Rafah brigade, and said he was
Cong open to 50:50 seat-sharing pact with Left Front for 28 Tripura assembly polls: Roy Barman
Misuse, delayed justice weaken faith in rule of law: Kiran Bedi
Mizoram records 7.37 lakh tourist visits till Sept 26: Minister Hmar
Mizoram students body seeks action over MPSC exam lapses
Myanmar natl held with arms, explosives in Manipur
CRPF terminates jawan over threating Commander
Jammu Tawi, Nov 14: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has terminated a probationary constable from service for allegedly posting death threats against his company commander on social media, officials said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Pinak Nath, a probationary Constable from Assam, was attached to Alpha Company of the CRPFs 33rd Battalion stationed [] The post CRPF terminates jawan over threating Commander appeared first on Northlines .
Footpaths cleared of encroachment in Silchar, 4 held over protests
10 PWD engineers suspended over negligence
Assam roads take a deadlier turn as crashes nearly double in 8.5 years, fatalities go up a third
Did minibus drivers health trigger the tragedy? CM says it may have
Three-yr-old accident survivor cries for mother as identity remains unknown
On Childrens Day, call to tackle malnutrition at Dhubri event
Strong currents prompt safety checks at 11 Dibrugarh ghats for Chhath
Lalduhoma calls for economic self-reliance at Zote South village event
NU launches Campus Talks for students to learn beyond classroom
Buxa tigresss miscarriage raises questions over translocation protocols
Manipur fortifies all security posts after Ukhrul ambush
Two more deaths take Kaziranga crash toll to 26; seven in critical condition
Deceased include One From Bihar, 3 Sisters Enroute To Relatives Home
Union min attends golden jubilee celebrations of Wangala Drums fest
CRPF Sacks Jawan Over Threat To Kill Commander
Probationary constable from Assam terminated after inquiry into alleged social media death threat against his company commander.
CRPF jawan terminated for threatening to kill his commander
New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has terminated a jawan from service for allegedly posting messages on social media threatening to kill his commander, officials said on Saturday, November 14. Officials told PTI that the accused was identified as probationary Constable Pinak Nath from Assam who belonged to the Alpha Company of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Younger individuals increasingly diagnosed with diabetes even without symptoms: Study
Mumbai, Nov 14 (PTI) Diabetes is increasingly emerging as a health concern among younger individuals, with a growing number being diagnosed with the condition even before showing any noticeable symptoms, a study said on Saturday. Underscoring the importance of routine health check-ups, it said early detection must be complemented by lifestyle changes, with a focus on long working hours, physical inactivity, stress and poor eating habits. The study by Mumbai-based Zandra Healthcare compared patient data from March 2015 to March 2020 (pre-pandemic) and April 2020 to April 2025 (post-pandemic). The analysis covered 7,274 patients and 45,083 visits during the pre-COVID
Badminton Jr Nationals: Maharashtra, Haryana reach semis; women make umpiring history
Digital Desk | Gangtok, Nov14 (IANS) The 49th Junior (U-19) National Badminton Championships got underway here on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for Indian badminton as the tournament becomes the first national championship in the country to feature an all-women panel of chair umpires. A total of 17 umpires from across the country have been selected to officiate at the prestigious national championship. These umpires were selected after assessing their performances at the All India Ranking Tournament (u-15/u-17) held in Jaipur earlier this year. The Inter-State team event will be played over two days, with the individual events starting on November 16th. The Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Raju Basnet, said, It's a great honour for all of us to have participants from all over India in this beautiful and wonderful state of Sikkim. Highlighting the significance of the all-women chair umpiring panel, he added, With an all-female team of umpires officiating this tournament, Sikkim is at the forefront of women's empowerment, and this is just another step forward. Explaining the reason behind the initiative, Badminton Association of India (BAI) Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said, This is an important step towards encouraging more women to take up officiating at the highest level. Our objective is to create a larger pool of qualified and experienced women umpires in the country and provide them with opportunities to officiate at major national events. This initiative will also inspire more women to pursue umpiring as a career, Mishra added. Organising Secretary Sukanta Das said hosting the U-19 Nationals for the first time in Sikkim was a matter of immense pride, with the tournament also giving the state an opportunity to be part of a historic moment in Indian badminton. On behalf of Sikkim Badminton, we have immense gratitude to the Chief Minister, Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), for his wholehearted support and for extending state-event status to the championship. It is a matter of great pride and happiness for Sikkim to host the U-19 National Championships for the first time. It is even more special that the tournament is creating history with an all-women panel of chair umpires, he added. Maharashtra, Haryana advance to semis Badminton action on the court saw formidable outfits like Maharashtra girls and Haryana boys registering comfortable wins in their opening clashes. In the girls' event, Maharashtra packed off Assam 2-0 while Haryana boys got the better of their counterparts from Maharashtra with an identical scoreline. Uttarakhand boys and girls defeated host Sikkim in both the events to advance to the last four stage.
A disturbing incident has come to the light from Assam's Guwahati where a class 9 student allegedly stabbed her mother before dying by suicide after jumping from the terrace of a multi-storey building, the police said on Saturday.
UN official urges Iran, US to let fertilisers through Hormuz Strait
Antalya (Turkey), Nov 14 (AFP) Iran and the United States should immediately allow fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to ease the crisis in some of the most vulnerable countries, a senior UN official said Saturday. Jorge Moreira da Silva, head of the UN Office for Project Services, told the COP31 climate talks in the Turkish resort city of Antalya that the lack of fertilisers could push millions into poverty. The Iranian blockade of the vital waterway, which started after the joint US-Israeli attack against Iran in late February, has choked shipping in the region and beyond. The
Family of each deceased in minibus-truck collision to get 9 lakh ex gratia: Assam CM
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said 26 people died in the head-on collision near Kaziranga National Park, and admitted some traffic restrictions had been relaxed because of political pressure
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Fast bowler Saurabh Dubeys four-wicket haul set up a comfortable seven-wicket win for Vidarbha over Goa on Day One of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while Tamil Nadu squeezed past Railways by six runs in a tense finish to a thrilling game. Vidarbha skipper Atharva Taide won the toss at the Jadavpur University Campus Ground 2 in Kolkata and chose to field, and his bowlers backed the call. Goa could only post 146/9 in their 20 overs, with Deepraj Gaonkars 39 the top score. Dubey returned with 4-30 and was duly named Player of the Match. Vidarbha lost opener Danish Malewar early in reply, but Taide and R. Samarth then took charge. The pair added 114 runs for the second wicket, Taide making 52 and Samarth 53, which took the contest away from Goa. Vedant Jajoo (23 not out) and Yash Kadam (nine not out) completed the chase in 17.3 overs. Elsewhere, Tamil Nadu had to work much harder to get their first win of the competition. Shahrukh Khans unbeaten 46 off 30 balls and a 13-ball 31 from Rajkumar Ravichandran lifted them to 172/7 after being pushed into batting first. Ravichandrans quickfire cameo, at a strike rate of 200, gave the innings a valuable push. Railways looked dead and buried at 79/6, with Varun Chakaravarthy conceding just five runs in two overs and picking up two wickets. Zuber Ali (46 off 37 balls) and Toufik Mondal (57 off 22 balls) then produced a stunning seventh-wicket partnership of 69 runs off 31 balls that kept Railways in the hunt. Though Mondal was dismissed in the 15th over, tension rose further with Ali and Kunal at the crease. With 19 runs needed from three overs, Railways looked set to win until Gurjapneet Singh kept his cool by defending 11 runs in the final over as Tamil Nadu sealed a hard-fought victory. Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh won over Assam by 16 runs (via VJD Method). Mridul Surrochs 52 carried Himachal Pradesh to 176/6 in 20 overs. Assam had reached 119/6 in 15 overs before inclement weather got the game in Himachal Pradeshs favour. Elsewhere, Rajasthan secured a six-wicket win over Uttar Pradesh. Sameer Rizvis 74 not out off 35 balls carried Uttar Pradesh to 171/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Rajasthan completed the chase in 15.4 overs, thanks to Abhijeet Tomars 63 and 48 from Rohan Rajbhar. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Has ex-IFS officer M.K. Yadava really left Assam
Guwahati: Two days after Assam government told the Gauhati High Court that retired IFS officer M.K. Yadava would have no role in the Forest Department in any capacity, he appeared at a meeting on the departments affairs. To critics, it looks like a back door entry, and a sign that the government is treating its [] The post Has ex-IFS officer M.K. Yadava really left Assams forest dept, or is he making a backdoor entry? appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Magnitude-4 moderate earthquake hits Assam
The National Centre for Seismology said the quake was recorded at 2.43 pm in Kamrup district at a depth of 10 km
Magnitude 4 Earthquake Jolts Assam
The National Centre for Seismology said the quake was recorded at 2.43 pm in Kamrup district at a depth of 10 km.
Digital Desk | Imphal, Nov 14 (IANS) A day after four Naga civilians, including two women, were killed in an attack by armed extremists in Manipurs Ukhrul district, apex Naga body, Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), on Saturday issued a three-day ultimatum to the Centre and the Manipur government, demanding the removal of Kuki militants from Naga areas. Meanwhile, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister and senior Naga leader Losii Dikho, in a separate statement, called for dialogue and reconciliation to find a lasting solution to the state's ongoing ethnic crisis. At least four people, including a mother and her son, were shot dead in a suspected ambush allegedly carried out by Kuki militants along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2) at New Haven in Ukhrul district on Friday afternoon. In a statement, the TNL said that the New Haven incident was the fourth such attack at the same location and demanded that the case be immediately handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation. The ultimatum was issued following an emergency meeting of Tangkhul civil society organisations, which strongly condemned the killing of the four civilians in broad daylight, reportedly just a few metres away from security forces deployed in the area, the statement said. The TNL held the state and Central governments solely responsible for their alleged failure to protect the lives of innocent civilians. We have lost complete faith in the central security forces. Therefore, all the central security forces deployed therein must be immediately withdrawn. Till then, the victims' families have resolved not to claim the bodies, the statement said. It further warned that failure to meet its demands would compel the general public to launch an indefinite agitation until justice was delivered. In his separate statement, Deputy Chief Minister Dikho said that Manipur had endured unimaginable heartbreak following the recent loss of innocent lives along the National Highway and within communities. The recent loss of innocent lives along the National Highway and within our communities has left deep wounds that violence and retaliation can never heal, he said. Dikho observed that hatred and bloodshed had historically led only to destruction, adding that those who chose the path of conflict would ultimately be held accountable for the devastation they caused. On Friday's attack, police said that the victims were travelling in two separate vehicles when they came under fire from the vicinity of Yaolen village, a Kuki settlement near the incident site. The victims were identified as Kapangkhui R.S. and Haoleia R.S., both residents of Shangshak village, and August Ngalung and Khanmila, both from Tashar village. All four victims, including two women, sustained fatal bullet injuries and died on the spot, the police official said. Quoting local residents, another police official in Imphal said that the two men and two women were travelling in the two vehicles when the armed assailants opened fire. Bullet marks were also found on the windshields of both vehicles, he added. Additional security personnel, including Manipur Police, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Army, and the Assam Rifles, have been rushed to the area to reinforce security and prevent further violence. Search operations have also been launched in and around the incident site to trace and apprehend those involved in the attack.
Assam CM Suggests Drivers Health Emergency May Have Caused Kaziranga Accident
Assams CM Himanta Biswa Sarma links a tragic Kaziranga accident to a possible medical emergency of the driver, raising road safety concerns. Assam CM Suggests Drivers Health Emergency May Have Caused Kaziranga Accident
4.0-magnitude earthquake recorded in Kamrup district, Assam
The News Mill
Assam CM Says Traveller Driver Might Have Suffered Stroke , Lost Control
Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma visited the accident site on Saturday and suggested that the driver of the Traveller vehicle might have suffered a sudden medical emergency, possibly a stroke, which caused him to lose control.
Magnitude 4 earthquake strikes Assam's Kamrup district
Assam Chief Minister Announces Compensation Following Kaziranga Tragedy
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma pledges financial aid to families of victims from the Kaziranga road accident, which claimed 26 lives. Assam Chief Minister Announces Compensation Following Kaziranga Tragedy
Class 9 student stabs mother, jumps to death from high-rise
Guwahati: A class 9 student allegedly stabbed his mother and ended his life by jumping from the terrace of a multi-storey building here, police said on Saturday, November 14. The student of a private school in Assams Guwahati allegedly attacked his mother with a sharp weapon, inflicting serious injuries to her neck, at their residence Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Students among 24 killed in bus-truck collision near Kaziranga in Assam
At least 24 people, including college students, were killed after a minibus collided head-on with a container truck near Kaziranga National Park in Assam on November 13. Several others were injured in the accident on National Highway 715 in Golaghat district. Officials suspect overspeeding may have caused the collision.
Assam Probes Fake 4,934 Class 10 Certificates
Assam CID is probing a fake Class 10 certificate racket after 4,934 students were found to have secured Class 11 admissions using questionable CISCE-branded documents.
Post-mortems begin for 26 victims in Golaghat road crash near Kaziranga
Post-mortem examinations are under way at Golaghat District Civil Hospital after a collision between a minibus and a container truck on National Highway 715 claimed 26 lives, while several injured remain in hospitals across Assam.
CRPF Terminates Jawan Over Death Threat to Commander
New Delhi, Nov 14: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has terminated a probationary constable from service for allegedly posting death threats against his company commander on social media, officials said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Pinak Nath, a probationary Constable from Assam, was attached to Alpha Company of the CRPFs 33rd Battalion stationed [] The post CRPF Terminates Jawan Over Death Threat to Commander appeared first on Northlines .
Overspeeding Suspected In Assam Crash That Killed 26
'We suspect that the accident took place when the driver of the minibus lost control.'
Cong's deafening silence on J'khand MLA sexual assault case exposes double standards: BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 14 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress over allegations of sexual assault against its Jharkhand MLA Bhushan Bara involving a minor tribal girl, accusing the Opposition party of maintaining double standards on women's safety and questioning the silence of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, party MP Bansuri Swaraj alleged that the Congress repeatedly speaks about women's empowerment but remains silent when serious allegations are levelled against its own leaders. On one hand, India is taking pride in its culture and worshipping Chhathi Maiya, who is the source of the creation of the universe. And on the other hand, you know how the Congress is repeatedly insulting women, who are the embodiment of Shakti, Swaraj claimed. She pointed out that the press conference was being held a day before the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, which is observed as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day)', and termed the allegations against the Jharkhand MLA particularly shameful. In fact, investigating agencies have even registered an FIR under POCSO. If you look at the allegations, they are soul-crushing allegations. The allegation is that the MLA lured that innocent girl with the promise of education, lured her with the promise of a better life, and by bringing that 14-year-old minor on such a false promise, first made her do household chores, beat her, and later, allegations of sexual exploitation have also surfaced, she alleged. This grave matter has come to light through media reports, yet I am astonished that the Congress party, which champions slogans like 'Smash the Patriarchy', along with its leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Mr Kharge, have all chosen to remain silent, she added. Questioning the Congress leadership's response to the allegations, the BJP MP asked how long the party would continue to follow what she described as a principle of silence amounting to consent. Have you questioned this MLA of yours? Have you held him accountable? Certainly not. Double standards have become the standard political conduct within the Congress party, she said. To support her allegations of selective action by the Congress, Swaraj also referred to party MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who has faced allegations of sexual harassment by 11 students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). She claimed that despite the allegations, the Congress had ewarded him and appointed him as the co-chair of the Election Committee, the Campaign Committee, and the Manifesto Committee ahead of the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections. When the direction is so fundamentally flawed, it is only natural that the state of affairs will also be poor, Bansuri Swaraj added. The BJP MP also raised the issue of Congress leader Harak Singh, who has been appointed chairman of the party's Uttarakhand Election Committee. Referring to allegations made against him by a woman from Assam, Swaraj said the complainant had demanded a DNA test and that the matter had been handed over to a woman police officer for investigation. It is astonishing that the Congress party operates based on political expediency rather than moral principles, she further stated. There is a common thread running through all these instances: The silence of the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, the BJP MP added. Taking aim at Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's slogan on women's empowerment, Swaraj questioned whether the party was equally committed to protecting women's dignity when allegations involved its own leaders. Priyanka Gandhi asserts, with great emphasis, 'Ladki hoon, lad sakti hoon'. I would like to ask, when it comes to leaders within your own party, do you still stand firm for the dignity of women? she questioned. Drawing a comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, Swaraj said, On one side, we have Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose tireless efforts and development-oriented policies have ensured that women in this country are not viewed merely as beneficiaries, but as nation-builders -- recognised as self-reliant entrepreneurs. On the other side, we have Rahul Gandhi, who propagates hollow slogans like 'Smash the Patriarchy,' yet chooses to remain silent when it comes to the dignity of women. However, the public knows everything. Rahul Gandhi, I want to warn you that in the upcoming elections, women voters, in particular, will demand accountability from you and hold the Congress party responsible for every one of its anti-women stances, she stated. The BJP MP also brought up a controversy involving a former office-bearer of the Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) at Delhi University, who had been accused of attempting to lure young women with concert tickets, gifts and other inducements. It is alleged that he attempted to lure young women, offering concert tickets, gifts, and other inducements, to take them to Ahmedabad, with the intent of involving them in illicit activities. Notice how Rahul Gandhi has remained silent even regarding the NSUI, which is the Congress party's student wing. This is the Congress party's age-old policy: they say one thing and do another, she claimed. Swaraj alleged that the Congress leadership had repeatedly failed to speak up when allegations of sexual misconduct and exploitation involved people associated with the party. Every time there is deafening silence from the Congress party. It actually shows that Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and the Congress party are absolutely comfortable with objectification of women, very comfortable with victimisation of women, and clearly sexual harassment, sexual abuse and rape; these kinds of serious allegations are something that they completely find benign and underestimate what a survivor or victim has to go through. Instead of becoming the voice of the voiceless, the Congress Party goes ahead and rewards its own leaders, Swaraj said. This puts a question mark on the political character of the Congress party, she added.
Dreams of children must remain at heart of everything we do: Himanta Sarma on Children's Day
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Nov 14 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Saturday extended his greetings to young ones on Children's Day, saying that their happiness, dreams and aspirations must remain at the heart of every effort undertaken by society and the government. Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the Assam government is working to provide children with a stronger foundation and a brighter future through improvements in education, sports and other areas crucial to their overall development. The happiness, dreams and aspirations of our children must always remain at the heart of everything we do, Sarma said in his message. From classrooms to playgrounds, we are working to give every child in Assam a stronger foundation and a brighter tomorrow, he added. Extending his love and best wishes to children across the state, the Chief Minister said that nurturing the younger generation remains central to building a stronger and more prosperous Assam. Children's Day is celebrated across India on November 14, the birth anniversary of the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The day is marked by special programmes in schools and educational institutions, with a focus on children's welfare, education and development. In Assam, the state government has in recent years placed emphasis on strengthening school infrastructure, improving access to education and encouraging greater participation of students in sports and other extracurricular activities. The Chief Minister's message underlined the importance of creating an environment where children can pursue their ambitions and realise their potential. Sarma has repeatedly maintained that investment in education and youth development is critical to the state's long-term progress. His Children's Day message also reflected the government's focus on providing better opportunities to the younger generation and ensuring that children from different backgrounds have access to the resources needed for their growth and development. As Assam moves forward, the hopes and aspirations of its children will continue to shape the state's journey towards a brighter future, the Chief Minister said, extending his warm wishes to children on the occasion.
Himanta Sarma to visit Kaziranga accident site as death toll rises
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Nov 14 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will visit the site of the devastating road accident near Kaziranga on Saturday morning and meet the families affected by one of the worst road tragedies in the state. The latest reports said the death toll has risen to 26, while around 20 others sustained injuries. Several of those injured were rushed to hospitals, including the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, for advanced treatment. The Chief Minister said he would personally visit the accident site to ensure that the affected families receive every possible assistance. I will visit the accident site tomorrow morning to meet the affected families and ensure they receive every possible support, from medical care for the injured to relief for those who have lost loved ones. They are not alone in this difficult hour, Sarma said in a post on X. The Chief Minister said that the state government stands with the bereaved families and prayed for the victims of the tragedy. The horrific accident took place at Rongajan near Kaziranga National Park in Golaghat district on Friday when a passenger mini-bus collided head-on with a container truck on National Highway-715. Many of the victims were reportedly students returning from their classes. Rediff The collision left the mini-bus badly mangled, prompting a massive rescue operation involving police, district administration officials and local residents. Initial reports suggested that the passenger vehicle was travelling at a high speed before the collision. Authorities have said a detailed enquiry will be conducted to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the accident and examine whether traffic and other safety norms were violated. Sarma had earlier expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and assured the best possible medical treatment for the injured. His visit on Saturday is expected to focus on reviewing relief measures, meeting bereaved families and assessing the treatment being provided to those injured in the devastating accident.
