On Tuesday afternoon, a group of men dressed in saffron robes walked up to the Anandabazar Patrika office near Chandni Chowk and began painting two pillars at the main entrance the same colour. Police from Bowbazar station stood by and watched. Some officers even recorded the scene on their phones.The demonstration started around 1:30 pm and lasted nearly an hour. The men raised slogans in Hindi and Bengali: “Bhagwa ka apmaan nahi sahega” (We will not tolerate the insult of Bhagwa) and “Anandabazar Patrika haye haye" , “This land belongs to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. This land belongs to Swami Vivekananda. This land is Saffron.” In some videos someone calls the newspaper a “Dimagi Naxal paper” . Police later escorted them away. No FIR has been registered yet over the painting, Bowbazar police confirmed.The incident came days after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari publicly demanded an apology from the state’s largest daily. On August 21, Anandabazar Patrika had carried the front-page headline “Saffron Hooliganism: Logo broken during raid on JU campus,” describing violence at Jadavpur University as “gerua gundami.” Adhikari objected strongly. At a Raksha Bandhan rally in Jadavpur on August 28 he said: “I am not threatening the media. But an apology will have to be made. Otherwise thousands of sadhus in saffron robes are getting ready. They only want my consent. I have said [to them], ‘wait’.” He added that the paper could write about “Suvendu’s forces’ rampage” or “the BJP’s rampage” but not use the colour saffron that way. “It has struck many people in the heart,” he told reporters.The newspaper did not apologise or retract the report. It published Adhikari’s remarks on its front page instead.Anandabazar Patrika has a long history in Bengal. Founded on 13 March 1922 by Prafulla Kumar Sarkar and Suresh Chandra Majumdar as a four-page evening paper printed in red ink, it was born in the nationalist struggle against British rule. Contemporary English papers called its red first edition a “danger signal.” Over a century it grew into the state’s most widely read Bengali daily, known for its independent voice.A senior editor at the paper said extra security had been posted at the office since Saturday after Adhikari’s comments. “We had a hunch something like this might happen. We were told not to go to office today. Police officials had come with them and left with them as well,” the editor told Alt News. Most of the men appeared non-Bengali and carried no organisational banners. A few hours after the painting, editor Ishani Datta Ray posted a photo of the pillars freshly painted white again, captioned with a line from Tagore’s poem: “উচ্চ যেথা শির” (Where the head is held high).Kolkata Police had already registered an FIR against Datta Ray, chief reporter Soma Mukherjee and other editorial staff after a complaint by saffron-clad monk Sanjay Shastri Maharaj. He claimed the original headline hurt Hindu sentiments and disturbed public peace.Press bodies reacted sharply. The Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association demanded the FIR be withdrawn immediately. “We demand that the state and its machinery desist from using tools like the registration of FIRs to intimidate and suppress journalists and instead support a free press,” their joint statement said. They noted the similarity between the monk’s language and the chief minister’s public remarks.&nbsp; Former journalist and TMC leader Sagarika Ghose called the painting “condemnable in the extreme” on X, asking why police stood by as bystanders and saying Bengal had entered a “dark age” under the BJP.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Bhagwa ka apman nehi sahega Hindustan&quot; Hindutva men paint the walls of the iconic Anandabazar Patrika office saffron, in the presence of Kolkata Police. <a href="https://t.co/gHbHtLiuUH">pic.twitter.com/gHbHtLiuUH</a>&mdash; The Indian Idiot (@theindianidiot) <a href="https://x.com/theindianidiot/status/2094767242395443506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Saffron-clad men painted pillars outside the Anandabazar Patrika office in Kolkata amid a row over its ‘saffron hooliganism’ headline on Jadavpur University violence.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of men dressed in saffron robes walked up to the Anandabazar Patrika office near Chandni Chowk and began painting two pillars at the main entrance the same colour. Police from Bowbazar station stood by and watched. Some officers even recorded the scene on their phones. The demonstration started around 1:30 pm and lasted nearly an hour. The men raised slogans in Hindi and Bengali: “Bhagwa ka apmaan nahi sahega” (We will not tolerate the insult of Bhagwa) and “Anandabazar Patrika haye haye" , “This land belongs to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. This land belongs to Swami Vivekananda. This land is Saffron.” In some videos someone calls the newspaper a “Dimagi Naxal paper” . Police later escorted them away. No FIR has been registered yet over the painting, Bowbazar police confirmed. The incident came days after West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari publicly demanded an apology from the state’s largest daily. On August 21, Anandabazar Patrika had carried the front-page headline “Saffron Hooliganism: Logo broken during raid on JU campus,” describing violence at Jadavpur University as “gerua gundami.” Adhikari objected strongly. At a Raksha Bandhan rally in Jadavpur on August 28 he said: “I am not threatening the media. But an apology will have to be made. Otherwise thousands of sadhus in saffron robes are getting ready. They only want my consent. I have said [to them], ‘wait’.” He added that the paper could write about “Suvendu’s forces’ rampage” or “the BJP’s rampage” but not use the colour saffron that way. “It has struck many people in the heart,” he told reporters. The newspaper did not apologise or retract the report. It published Adhikari’s remarks on its front page instead. Anandabazar Patrika has a long history in Bengal. Founded on 13 March 1922 by Prafulla Kumar Sarkar and Suresh Chandra Majumdar as a four-page evening paper printed in red ink, it was born in the nationalist struggle against British rule. Contemporary English papers called its red first edition a “danger signal.” Over a century it grew into the state’s most widely read Bengali daily, known for its independent voice. A senior editor at the paper said extra security had been posted at the office since Saturday after Adhikari’s comments. “We had a hunch something like this might happen. We were told not to go to office today. Police officials had come with them and left with them as well,” the editor told Alt News. Most of the men appeared non-Bengali and carried no organisational banners. A few hours after the painting, editor Ishani Datta Ray posted a photo of the pillars freshly painted white again, captioned with a line from Tagore’s poem: “উচ্চ যেথা শির” (Where the head is held high). Kolkata Police had already registered an FIR against Datta Ray, chief reporter Soma Mukherjee and other editorial staff after a complaint by saffron-clad monk Sanjay Shastri Maharaj. He claimed the original headline hurt Hindu sentiments and disturbed public peace. Press bodies reacted sharply. The Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association demanded the FIR be withdrawn immediately. “We demand that the state and its machinery desist from using tools like the registration of FIRs to intimidate and suppress journalists and instead support a free press,” their joint statement said. They noted the similarity between the monk’s language and the chief minister’s public remarks. Former journalist and TMC leader Sagarika Ghose called the painting “condemnable in the extreme” on X, asking why police stood by as bystanders and saying Bengal had entered a “dark age” under the BJP.

Saffron-clad men painted pillars outside the Anandabazar Patrika office in Kolkata amid a row over its ‘saffron hooliganism’ headline on Jadavpur University violence.

Anandabazar Patrika office pillars painted saffron over newspaper's headline

US President Donald Trump has sent a warm letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanking him for Dhaka's commitment to purchase Boeing aircraft, while expressing optimism about the country's future and signalling a desire to meet the premier in person soon. In the letter, dated August 31, 2026, and sent on White House letterhead, Trump conveyed his warmest regards and love to the people of Bangladesh, according to the Prime Minister's Press Wing. Trump thanked the Prime Minister for his decision to purchase Boeing aircraft, saying Boeing would not let Bangladesh down. The US president told Rahman that Boeing "will not let you down, and I will not forget," and expressed confidence in a bright future for Bangladesh.&nbsp;<h2>The Boeing Deal</h2> The letter follows an expansion of Bangladesh's aircraft procurement commitments to the United States.US Ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs Sergio Gor said in a post on X on August 30 that Trump and Rahman had reached an "incredible Deal" under which Bangladesh would significantly increase its initial order for Boeing aircraft, with Bangladesh committing to spend billions of dollars on additional aircraft, significantly increasing its initial order.&nbsp;However, Gor did not specify the number or models of aircraft involved, the total value of the commitment, or whether a purchase agreement had been formally signed. Gor's statement came nearly a month after his three-day official visit to Bangladesh from July 30 to August 1, during which he met senior government officials to discuss bilateral relations, trade and economic issues. Notably, Bangladesh had already increased its planned purchase of Boeing aircraft from 14 to 25 back in July.<h2>Broader Bilateral Relationship &nbsp;</h2>This exchange builds on a warming US-Bangladesh relationship since Rahman took office. Trump had congratulated Rahman on February 18, following a February 9 signing of an "Agreement on Reciprocal Trade" under the prior interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.&nbsp;That deal reduced additional US "reciprocal tariffs" on select Bangladeshi exports from 20 per cent to 19 per cent, averting an earlier threat of 37 per cent tariffs, and included commitments on LNG purchases over fifteen years, the original acquisition of fourteen Boeing aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and expanded procurement of US military systems. In a February 18 letter, Trump had congratulated Rahman on his election victory and emphasised US intentions to deepen bilateral ties through trade, aviation cooperation and defence engagement, including provisions encouraging Bangladesh's Boeing procurement.Trump's latest letter closes with an expression of hope for an in-person meeting with Rahman "in the not too distant future," though no date has been announced.

US President Donald Trump thanked Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for Dhaka’s Boeing aircraft commitment and expressed hope for an in-person meeting soon.

US President Donald Trump has sent a warm letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanking him for Dhaka's commitment to purchase Boeing aircraft, while expressing optimism about the country's future and signalling a desire to meet the premier in person soon. In the letter, dated August 31, 2026, and sent on White House letterhead, Trump conveyed his warmest regards and love to the people of Bangladesh, according to the Prime Minister's Press Wing. Trump thanked the Prime Minister for his decision to purchase Boeing aircraft, saying Boeing would not let Bangladesh down. The US president told Rahman that Boeing "will not let you down, and I will not forget," and expressed confidence in a bright future for Bangladesh. The Boeing Deal The letter follows an expansion of Bangladesh's aircraft procurement commitments to the United States. US Ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs Sergio Gor said in a post on X on August 30 that Trump and Rahman had reached an "incredible Deal" under which Bangladesh would significantly increase its initial order for Boeing aircraft, with Bangladesh committing to spend billions of dollars on additional aircraft, significantly increasing its initial order. However, Gor did not specify the number or models of aircraft involved, the total value of the commitment, or whether a purchase agreement had been formally signed. Gor's statement came nearly a month after his three-day official visit to Bangladesh from July 30 to August 1, during which he met senior government officials to discuss bilateral relations, trade and economic issues. Notably, Bangladesh had already increased its planned purchase of Boeing aircraft from 14 to 25 back in July. Broader Bilateral Relationship This exchange builds on a warming US-Bangladesh relationship since Rahman took office. Trump had congratulated Rahman on February 18, following a February 9 signing of an "Agreement on Reciprocal Trade" under the prior interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. That deal reduced additional US "reciprocal tariffs" on select Bangladeshi exports from 20 per cent to 19 per cent, averting an earlier threat of 37 per cent tariffs, and included commitments on LNG purchases over fifteen years, the original acquisition of fourteen Boeing aircraft for Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and expanded procurement of US military systems. In a February 18 letter, Trump had congratulated Rahman on his election victory and emphasised US intentions to deepen bilateral ties through trade, aviation cooperation and defence engagement, including provisions encouraging Bangladesh's Boeing procurement. Trump's latest letter closes with an expression of hope for an in-person meeting with Rahman "in the not too distant future," though no date has been announced.

US President Donald Trump thanked Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman for Dhaka’s Boeing aircraft commitment and expressed hope for an in-person meeting soon.

Trump thanks Bangladesh PM for Boeing deal, hints at meeting

The West Bengal government has introduced a digital spot-fine system across municipalities from September 1, imposing penalties for littering, illegal dumping, use or carrying of banned plastic bags, public urination and defecation, and spitting in public places. According to a government notification issued by the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, public urination or defecation and littering will attract a ₹200 fine, while spitting in public places will invite a ₹100 penalty.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/panic-at-kolkata-s-sealdah-station-as-fire-engulfs-food-stalls-1788187819929">Panic at Kolkata's Sealdah Station as fire engulfs food stalls</a>&nbsp;The government has clarified that the initiative is not aimed at revenue generation, but at increasing public awareness and bringing about a long-term change in civic behaviour to create a cleaner and more responsible society. Under the system, municipal employees will be trained to undertake awareness campaigns and encourage citizens to follow civic rules. They will also inform people that repeated violations could result in fines being imposed as per the prescribed rates.&nbsp;The notification states that the digital spot-fine mechanism will be transparent, cashless and accountable. Authorised municipal personnel will record violations at the spot, with geo-tagged photographs used where necessary as evidence. Digital challans will be generated and fines collected through QR codes or online payment, following which citizens will receive a digital receipt.Initially, fines will be collected digitally or online. However, cash collection may be permitted in specific circumstances, subject to the prescribed rules. The government has also directed municipalities to consider local requirements and arrange community bins and other waste-collection infrastructure where necessary.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengal-cm-pushes-behala-airport-revival-aviation-minister-ram-mohan-naidu-responds-positively-1788193475830">Bengal CM pushes Behala airport revival</a>

The system will cover violations including throwing waste in public places, illegal dumping, carrying or using banned plastic carry bags, spitting, and public urination or defecation. Enforcement will be carried out in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and directions of the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.&nbsp;The notification also says that the mobile number of a violator will be recorded when a fine is imposed. This will allow authorities to identify repeated offenders and take appropriate action against habitual violations. Citizens have been urged to use toilets, dispose of waste only at designated places, avoid spitting in public, refrain from using or carrying banned plastic bags, and avoid illegal dumping. The government has emphasised that the digital spot-fine system is being implemented with three broad objectives — a clean city, responsible citizens and clean municipal administration.West Bengal's move is less a standalone policy than the latest entry in a rapidly expanding, cross-party civic-enforcement trend sweeping urban India.&nbsp;Mumbai's BMC introduced fines up to ₹25,000 for 21 civic offences back in February 2026; Assam's BJP-run Guwahati Municipal Corporation rolled out its own spot-fine schedule in July; and Chandigarh hiked open-defecation fines to a steep ₹10,000 in May, explicitly citing Swachh Survekshan guidelines from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. What sets Bengal apart isn't the fine itself, but the delivery mechanism- a fully cashless, geo-tagged, QR-code-based digital challan system that Minister Agnimitra Paul described in terms of both technology and enforcement: "The conservancy workers will carry machines to collect spot fines through digital mode if anybody violates the order. We will also be taking help from the cops to keep vigilance." That pairing of hardware-in-hand enforcement with police backup marks a shift from paper-based challans toward a more traceable, harder-to-negotiate-with system- one likely to be watched closely by other states weighing similar upgrades.

West Bengal has introduced a digital spot-fine system across municipalities for littering, illegal dumping, spitting, public urination and banned plastic bags. The cashless, geo-tagged system aims to improve civic discipline, track repeat offenders and promote cleaner cities.

The West Bengal government has introduced a digital spot-fine system across municipalities from September 1, imposing penalties for littering, illegal dumping, use or carrying of banned plastic bags, public urination and defecation, and spitting in public places. According to a government notification issued by the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, public urination or defecation and littering will attract a ₹200 fine, while spitting in public places will invite a ₹100 penalty. Also Read: Panic at Kolkata's Sealdah Station as fire engulfs food stalls The government has clarified that the initiative is not aimed at revenue generation, but at increasing public awareness and bringing about a long-term change in civic behaviour to create a cleaner and more responsible society. Under the system, municipal employees will be trained to undertake awareness campaigns and encourage citizens to follow civic rules. They will also inform people that repeated violations could result in fines being imposed as per the prescribed rates. The notification states that the digital spot-fine mechanism will be transparent, cashless and accountable. Authorised municipal personnel will record violations at the spot, with geo-tagged photographs used where necessary as evidence. Digital challans will be generated and fines collected through QR codes or online payment, following which citizens will receive a digital receipt. Initially, fines will be collected digitally or online. However, cash collection may be permitted in specific circumstances, subject to the prescribed rules. The government has also directed municipalities to consider local requirements and arrange community bins and other waste-collection infrastructure where necessary. Also Read: Bengal CM pushes Behala airport revival

West Bengal has introduced a digital spot-fine system across municipalities for littering, illegal dumping, spitting, public urination and banned plastic bags. The cashless, geo-tagged system aims to improve civic discipline, track repeat offenders and promote cleaner cities.

West Bengal rolls out digital spot fines; ₹200 for littering, banned plastic, public urination

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki community in the state, has directed all Kuki-Zo legislators to stay away from the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly session, set to begin September 2 and run through September 7 with three sittings scheduled.&nbsp;In its statement, KIM instructed Kuki-Zo MLAs not to travel to Imphal, warning that any legislator who defies the directive risks being seen as acting against the community's collective political stance. The body reiterated its long-standing demand for a separate political administration for the Kuki-Zo people, asserting that normal legislative business should not resume while Manipur's political crisis remains unresolved.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-census-deferred-till-october-12-after-high-court-order-amidst-nrc-demands-1788185413954">Manipur census deferred till October 12 after high court order amidst NRC demands</a>&nbsp;KIM argued that legislators' participation could wrongly signal that normalcy has returned to the state, potentially weakening the push for a political settlement. It called on the MLAs to act with "political responsibility" in line with community aspirations, and questioned why routine Assembly proceedings were continuing at all given the ongoing unrest.&nbsp;While the directive reflects KIM's official position, it remains unclear how individual legislators will respond. The Kuki-Zo community holds nine seats in the 60-member Assembly, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and six other BJP MLAs — meaning their absence, if it materializes, could carry significant political weight.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-day-after-peace-talks-bullets-on-manipur-s-it-road-4-naga-civilians-dead-1787829046789">A day after peace talks, bullets on Manipur's IT road: 4 Naga civilians dead</a>

<h2>Fresh Violence in Kangpokpi</h2>The boycott call comes day after a deadly attack in N. Teikhang village, Kangpokpi district, on August 31, in which three villagers — including two women — were killed and four others injured. Chief Minister N. Biren-successor Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings on social media, offering condolences to the bereaved families and vowing that the state would not tolerate such violence. He assured that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted, and said an investigation was underway. &nbsp;

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has directed all Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay away from the Manipur Assembly session starting September 2, warning against travelling to Imphal. The apex body said participation could signal normalcy and weaken the community’s demand for a separate political administration.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki community in the state, has directed all Kuki-Zo legislators to stay away from the upcoming Manipur Legislative Assembly session, set to begin September 2 and run through September 7 with three sittings scheduled. In its statement, KIM instructed Kuki-Zo MLAs not to travel to Imphal, warning that any legislator who defies the directive risks being seen as acting against the community's collective political stance. The body reiterated its long-standing demand for a separate political administration for the Kuki-Zo people, asserting that normal legislative business should not resume while Manipur's political crisis remains unresolved. Also Read: Manipur census deferred till October 12 after high court order amidst NRC demands KIM argued that legislators' participation could wrongly signal that normalcy has returned to the state, potentially weakening the push for a political settlement. It called on the MLAs to act with "political responsibility" in line with community aspirations, and questioned why routine Assembly proceedings were continuing at all given the ongoing unrest. While the directive reflects KIM's official position, it remains unclear how individual legislators will respond. The Kuki-Zo community holds nine seats in the 60-member Assembly, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and six other BJP MLAs — meaning their absence, if it materializes, could carry significant political weight. Also Read: A day after peace talks, bullets on Manipur's IT road: 4 Naga civilians dead

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has directed all Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay away from the Manipur Assembly session starting September 2, warning against travelling to Imphal. The apex body said participation could signal normalcy and weaken the community’s demand for a separate political administration.

Kuki body directs legislators to boycott Manipur Assembly session amid ongoing crisis

Nine Nagaland MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding urgent action against fellow Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her office is colluding with a Kuki militant group led by her husband, Thangboi Kipgen. In the letter, the legislators describe the situation in Manipur as having reached a ‘critical and volatile stage’, and warn that without decisive intervention, the state risks descending into an uncontrollable situation.&nbsp;The MLAs have made five main demands. They have called for the immediate arrest of Kuki-Zo leaders who they say have publicly claimed responsibility for the killing and dismemberment of six Naga citizens, as well as the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, whom they identify with the militant outfit KNF-P. The letter alleges that cadres under a commander identified as 'Tiger' Kipgen carried out the killings, and makes serious, unverified claims about his conduct, demanding he be apprehended and punished under law.&nbsp;The legislators have also sought direct action against Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her office's alignment with her husband's militant group has undermined public confidence in the state's peace process. Additionally, they have demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, the tripartite arrangement between the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups, citing repeated violations and continuing attacks on civilians.&nbsp;To support their case, the MLAs cited a string of recent incidents, including the killing of four Naga men in an ambush on IT Road on August 27, whose bodies they say remain unclaimed in protest over the lack of arrests in the earlier killings. They also referenced an ambush on NH-202 near TM Kasom on April 18, 2026, which left two dead, and an attack on the Naga village of Langka on August 14, 2026, in which two farmers were killed and the village allegedly burnt down. These claims, as detailed in the letter, have not been independently verified.&nbsp;The legislators concluded with a pointed warning about their continued political support to the state government, saying they would be unable to defend their backing of the administration to the public if their demands were not met. They described the appeal as being made solely in the interest of restoring peace in Manipur. The letter comes against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic tensions between the Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, which have persisted since violence first erupted in the state in May 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;Manipur's coalition government includes representation from multiple communities, including at the deputy chief minister level. Neither Nemcha Kipgen's office nor Thangboi Kipgen has issued a public response to the allegations so far. This is a developing story.

Nine Nagaland MLAs, including Deputy CM Losii Dikho, write to Amit Shah seeking action against fellow Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen

Nine Nagaland MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding urgent action against fellow Deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her office is colluding with a Kuki militant group led by her husband, Thangboi Kipgen. In the letter, the legislators describe the situation in Manipur as having reached a ‘critical and volatile stage’, and warn that without decisive intervention, the state risks descending into an uncontrollable situation. The MLAs have made five main demands. They have called for the immediate arrest of Kuki-Zo leaders who they say have publicly claimed responsibility for the killing and dismemberment of six Naga citizens, as well as the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, whom they identify with the militant outfit KNF-P. The letter alleges that cadres under a commander identified as 'Tiger' Kipgen carried out the killings, and makes serious, unverified claims about his conduct, demanding he be apprehended and punished under law. The legislators have also sought direct action against Nemcha Kipgen, alleging that her office's alignment with her husband's militant group has undermined public confidence in the state's peace process. Additionally, they have demanded the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement, the tripartite arrangement between the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki militant groups, citing repeated violations and continuing attacks on civilians. To support their case, the MLAs cited a string of recent incidents, including the killing of four Naga men in an ambush on IT Road on August 27, whose bodies they say remain unclaimed in protest over the lack of arrests in the earlier killings. They also referenced an ambush on NH-202 near TM Kasom on April 18, 2026, which left two dead, and an attack on the Naga village of Langka on August 14, 2026, in which two farmers were killed and the village allegedly burnt down. These claims, as detailed in the letter, have not been independently verified. The legislators concluded with a pointed warning about their continued political support to the state government, saying they would be unable to defend their backing of the administration to the public if their demands were not met. They described the appeal as being made solely in the interest of restoring peace in Manipur. The letter comes against the backdrop of prolonged ethnic tensions between the Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, which have persisted since violence first erupted in the state in May 2023. Manipur's coalition government includes representation from multiple communities, including at the deputy chief minister level. Neither Nemcha Kipgen's office nor Thangboi Kipgen has issued a public response to the allegations so far. This is a developing story.

The MLAs have made five demands. They have called for the immediate arrest of Kuki-Zo leaders who they say have publicly claimed responsibility for the killing and dismemberment of six Naga citizens, as well as the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, whom they identify with the militant outfit KNF-P

A fresh push to operationalise Kolkata's long-dormant Behala Airport has gathered momentum, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari writing to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and the state's Minister of State for Youth Services &amp; Sports, Dr Indranil Khan, holding a face-to-face meeting with the Union Minister in New Delhi on Monday.<h2>The Delhi Meeting</h2>Dr Khan met Naidu at his office in the national capital on Monday evening. Taking to social media afterwards, Khan said he was "delighted" to meet the Union Minister at his New Delhi office, and that he had urged him to operationalise the airport, expressing hope for a new era of civil aviation connecting Kolkata with the rest of India.&nbsp;Khan also thanked Chief Minister Adhikari for backing the initiative, noting the CM's willingness to extend full cooperation and support to the Centre on the matter. According to Khan, reviving the airport would give a boost to industrial growth in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas, strengthen regional connectivity, aid medical evacuation, and support tourism and trade across the state.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/activists-urge-india-to-intervene-as-hindu-persecution-in-bangladesh-continues-say-rights-leaders-face-politically-motivated-cases-1788185506059">Activists urge India to intervene as Hindu persecution in Bangladesh continues, say rights leaders face ‘politically motivated’ cases</a><h2>The Chief Minister's Letter</h2>In a formal communication to the Union Minister, Adhikari laid out the technical case for reviving the facility. According to the letter, Behala Airport currently has a runway of 915 metres — sufficient, it states, for ATR-72 aircraft, air ambulances, and chartered flights. A recent drone survey found the airport spans roughly 215.59 acres across three mouzas in the Kolkata block: Gopalpur, Behala, and Poroui.&nbsp;The Chief Minister argued that reviving the airport would help decongest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, while giving a lift to industry, connectivity, medical evacuation capacity, and tourism and trade in South Bengal. He asked the Union government to take steps toward operationalisation and consider starting commercial and UDAN regional-connectivity flights "at the earliest," pledging the state's support on land, security, and other clearances needed to move the project forward.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-floods-36-west-bengal-pilgrims-missing-as-state-centre-launch-rescue-coordination-1787817856319">Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as State, Centre launch rescue coordination</a><h2>The Union Minister's Response</h2>Responding on social media, Naidu welcomed the outreach, saying it was good to hear from Khan about the possibilities opening up for Bengal. He struck an optimistic note about expanding air connectivity in the state, indicating that more airports — including Behala — would be brought into operation as part of a broader push to open up business opportunities in Bengal.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>Behala Airport has sat largely unused for decades despite its proximity to south Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. If revived, officials say it could ease pressure on the increasingly congested NSCBI Airport, create a new gateway for regional and chartered flights, and support emergency medical evacuations — while opening fresh avenues for trade and tourism in the southern part of the state. With both the state government and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation now publicly signalling intent, attention will turn to whether concrete steps — land clearance, security approvals, and UDAN scheme enrollment — follow in the coming months.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has reacted positively to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's push to revive Kolkata's Behala Airport, opening doors for expanded regional air connectivity under UDAN.

A fresh push to operationalise Kolkata's long-dormant Behala Airport has gathered momentum, with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari writing to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and the state's Minister of State for Youth Services & Sports, Dr Indranil Khan, holding a face-to-face meeting with the Union Minister in New Delhi on Monday. The Delhi Meeting Dr Khan met Naidu at his office in the national capital on Monday evening. Taking to social media afterwards, Khan said he was "delighted" to meet the Union Minister at his New Delhi office, and that he had urged him to operationalise the airport, expressing hope for a new era of civil aviation connecting Kolkata with the rest of India. Khan also thanked Chief Minister Adhikari for backing the initiative, noting the CM's willingness to extend full cooperation and support to the Centre on the matter. According to Khan, reviving the airport would give a boost to industrial growth in Kolkata and South 24 Parganas, strengthen regional connectivity, aid medical evacuation, and support tourism and trade across the state. Also read: Activists urge India to intervene as Hindu persecution in Bangladesh continues, say rights leaders face ‘politically motivated’ cases The Chief Minister's Letter In a formal communication to the Union Minister, Adhikari laid out the technical case for reviving the facility. According to the letter, Behala Airport currently has a runway of 915 metres — sufficient, it states, for ATR-72 aircraft, air ambulances, and chartered flights. A recent drone survey found the airport spans roughly 215.59 acres across three mouzas in the Kolkata block: Gopalpur, Behala, and Poroui. The Chief Minister argued that reviving the airport would help decongest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport, while giving a lift to industry, connectivity, medical evacuation capacity, and tourism and trade in South Bengal. He asked the Union government to take steps toward operationalisation and consider starting commercial and UDAN regional-connectivity flights "at the earliest," pledging the state's support on land, security, and other clearances needed to move the project forward. Also read: Nepal floods: 36 West Bengal pilgrims missing as State, Centre launch rescue coordination The Union Minister's Response Responding on social media, Naidu welcomed the outreach, saying it was good to hear from Khan about the possibilities opening up for Bengal. He struck an optimistic note about expanding air connectivity in the state, indicating that more airports — including Behala — would be brought into operation as part of a broader push to open up business opportunities in Bengal. Why It Matters Behala Airport has sat largely unused for decades despite its proximity to south Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. If revived, officials say it could ease pressure on the increasingly congested NSCBI Airport, create a new gateway for regional and chartered flights, and support emergency medical evacuations — while opening fresh avenues for trade and tourism in the southern part of the state. With both the state government and the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation now publicly signalling intent, attention will turn to whether concrete steps — land clearance, security approvals, and UDAN scheme enrollment — follow in the coming months.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has reacted positively to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's push to revive Kolkata's Behala Airport, opening doors for expanded regional air connectivity under UDAN.

Bengal CM pushes Behala airport revival, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu responds positively

Human rights organisations on Monday demanded that the Indian government take urgent diplomatic action against what they described as escalating persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, while calling for the release of four prominent minority-rights figures currently jailed or barred from receiving medical care.&nbsp;At a press conference held at the Kolkata Press Club, representatives of the Campaign Against Atrocities on Minorities in Bangladesh (CAAMB), the All-India Refugee Front, Secular Mission and Human Rights Beyond Frontiers Foundation presented data documenting hundreds of attacks on religious minorities since the political upheaval of August 2024.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/doomsayers-doomed-india-s-gdp-grows-7-8-in-first-quarter-domestic-economy-gives-boost-amid-global-tensions-1788179210296">‘Doomsayers doomed’: India’s GDP grows 7.8% in first quarter, domestic economy gives boost amid global tensions</a>&nbsp;According to figures released by the groups, 66 members of religious minorities were killed in 2025 alone, alongside dozens of incidents involving vandalism of temples, land seizures and attacks on homes and businesses. In the first half of 2026, organisers said, 44 more minority-community members were killed in 40 separate incidents.&nbsp;The activists — Mohit Ray, Sujit Shikdar, Osman Mallik and Shantanu Singha — singled out the cases of four rights advocates they said were being targeted for their activism: journalist and filmmaker Shahriar Kabir, economist Dr. Abul Barkat, lawyer Rana Dasgupta, and monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/islam-superior-to-all-other-religions-says-karnataka-minister-basavaraj-rayareddy-bjp-demands-apology-1788123594820">‘Islam superior to all other religions,’ says Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy; BJP demands apology</a>&nbsp;Kabir, 76, has been imprisoned since September 2024 and now faces a murder charge before the International Crimes Tribunal despite deteriorating health, the groups said. Barkat, 72, was arrested in July 2025 and, though granted bail this June, still faces multiple pending cases. Dasgupta, 77, who has prostate cancer, has reportedly been unable to appear publicly for nearly two years, cutting him off from treatment. Organisers said he had been "pushed towards death due to the lack of medical treatment."&nbsp;Brahmachari, arrested in November 2024, was implicated in a lawyer's murder in Chattogram despite what organisers say is court evidence placing him in custody at the time. His ailing mother has reportedly appealed directly to Bangladesh's leadership for his release.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-based-terrorist-handlers-isi-using-porn-sites-and-encrypted-apps-to-communicate-with-recruits-in-j-k-1788115668072">Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and encrypted apps to communicate with ‘recruits’ in J&amp;K</a>&nbsp;Rights activist Mohit Ray told reporters that Hindus in Bangladesh are "in danger" and that it is "quite distressing they can't even come to India."&nbsp;The groups called on New Delhi to summon Bangladesh's High Commissioner, issue a formal diplomatic note, and raise the matter with international human rights bodies, warning that inaction would be "humiliating for India" and damage its global standing. Organisers said they would forward their appeal directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari arrested in November 2024, was implicated in a lawyer's murder in Chattogram despite what organisers say is court evidence placing him in custody at the time. His ailing mother has reportedly appealed directly to Bangladesh's leadership for his release.

Human rights organisations on Monday demanded that the Indian government take urgent diplomatic action against what they described as escalating persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, while calling for the release of four prominent minority-rights figures currently jailed or barred from receiving medical care. At a press conference held at the Kolkata Press Club, representatives of the Campaign Against Atrocities on Minorities in Bangladesh (CAAMB), the All-India Refugee Front, Secular Mission and Human Rights Beyond Frontiers Foundation presented data documenting hundreds of attacks on religious minorities since the political upheaval of August 2024. Also Read: ‘Doomsayers doomed’: India’s GDP grows 7.8% in first quarter, domestic economy gives boost amid global tensions According to figures released by the groups, 66 members of religious minorities were killed in 2025 alone, alongside dozens of incidents involving vandalism of temples, land seizures and attacks on homes and businesses. In the first half of 2026, organisers said, 44 more minority-community members were killed in 40 separate incidents. The activists — Mohit Ray, Sujit Shikdar, Osman Mallik and Shantanu Singha — singled out the cases of four rights advocates they said were being targeted for their activism: journalist and filmmaker Shahriar Kabir, economist Dr. Abul Barkat, lawyer Rana Dasgupta, and monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. Also Read: ‘Islam superior to all other religions,’ says Karnataka minister Basavaraj Rayareddy; BJP demands apology Kabir, 76, has been imprisoned since September 2024 and now faces a murder charge before the International Crimes Tribunal despite deteriorating health, the groups said. Barkat, 72, was arrested in July 2025 and, though granted bail this June, still faces multiple pending cases. Dasgupta, 77, who has prostate cancer, has reportedly been unable to appear publicly for nearly two years, cutting him off from treatment. Organisers said he had been "pushed towards death due to the lack of medical treatment." Brahmachari, arrested in November 2024, was implicated in a lawyer's murder in Chattogram despite what organisers say is court evidence placing him in custody at the time. His ailing mother has reportedly appealed directly to Bangladesh's leadership for his release. Also Read: Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and encrypted apps to communicate with ‘recruits’ in J&K Rights activist Mohit Ray told reporters that Hindus in Bangladesh are "in danger" and that it is "quite distressing they can't even come to India." The groups called on New Delhi to summon Bangladesh's High Commissioner, issue a formal diplomatic note, and raise the matter with international human rights bodies, warning that inaction would be "humiliating for India" and damage its global standing. Organisers said they would forward their appeal directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari arrested in November 2024, was implicated in a lawyer's murder in Chattogram despite what organisers say is court evidence placing him in custody at the time. His ailing mother has reportedly appealed directly to Bangladesh's leadership for his release.

Activists urge India to intervene as Hindu persecution in Bangladesh continues, say rights leaders face ‘politically motivated’ cases

The Manipur High Court on Monday (Aug 31) directed that the Census exercise in the state be kept in abeyance until further orders, a day before the house-listing operation was scheduled to begin on September 1, following sustained protests from civil society groups demanding the process be linked to an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC).The court’s special bench, comprising Chief Justice M Sundar and Justice A Guneswar Sharma, stated: “In the light of stated positions of respondents (Central and State Governments) the house listing operation of Census of India, 2027 scheduled to commence tomorrow (Sept 1) shall be kept in abeyance by State Government until next listing, which will be on October 12.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-russia-president-putin-for-bilateral-talks-says-every-day-of-war-sets-humanity-back-1788184510346">PM Modi meets Russia President Putin for bilateral talks, says 'every day of war sets humanity back'</a><h2>The petitions</h2>The bench heard a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) and a separate writ petition filed by Shanta Nahakpam, convenor of a coalition of 14 civil society organisations. According to Nahakpam, the petitions sought directions for updating the NRC using 1951 as the base year, and for addressing concerns over alleged illegal migration before the Census proceeds.During Monday’s hearing, lawyers representing the Centre and the Manipur government informed the court that the Census exercise would remain deferred, Nahakpam said.<h2>Migration concerns cited</h2>The petitions raise concerns over alleged illegal migration from neighbouring Myanmar and its potential impact on the state’s indigenous population. Nahakpam said civil society groups had been campaigning for four to five months for the Census to be postponed until alleged illegal immigrants are identified and deported, adding that conducting delimitation while these concerns remain unresolved “would not ensure justice for Manipur’s indigenous communities.”He said the groups turned to legal intervention after concluding that agitation alone would not resolve the issue.<h2>CSOs push for tripartite talks</h2>Separately, a delegation of Manipur civil society organisations had urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to convene tripartite talks involving the Union government, the state government, and representatives of different communities before the Census proceeds, arguing that citizenship-related concerns must be resolved first for the exercise to gain acceptance across the state.<h2>What’s next</h2>The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for October 12, 2026, the same date set for the next house-listing operation, according to the court’s order.The development comes amid heightened sensitivities in Manipur around demography, citizenship and delimitation, following prolonged ethnic tensions in the state since 2023.

The Manipur High Court deferred the Census house-listing operation until October 12, responding to petitions demanding that illegal immigrants be identified and an updated NRC be implemented before proceeding.

The Manipur High Court on Monday (Aug 31) directed that the Census exercise in the state be kept in abeyance until further orders, a day before the house-listing operation was scheduled to begin on September 1, following sustained protests from civil society groups demanding the process be linked to an updated National Register of Citizens (NRC). The court’s special bench, comprising Chief Justice M Sundar and Justice A Guneswar Sharma, stated: “In the light of stated positions of respondents (Central and State Governments) the house listing operation of Census of India, 2027 scheduled to commence tomorrow (Sept 1) shall be kept in abeyance by State Government until next listing, which will be on October 12.” Also read: PM Modi meets Russia President Putin for bilateral talks, says 'every day of war sets humanity back' The petitions The bench heard a Public Interest Litigation filed by the Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) and a separate writ petition filed by Shanta Nahakpam, convenor of a coalition of 14 civil society organisations. According to Nahakpam, the petitions sought directions for updating the NRC using 1951 as the base year, and for addressing concerns over alleged illegal migration before the Census proceeds. During Monday’s hearing, lawyers representing the Centre and the Manipur government informed the court that the Census exercise would remain deferred, Nahakpam said. Migration concerns cited The petitions raise concerns over alleged illegal migration from neighbouring Myanmar and its potential impact on the state’s indigenous population. Nahakpam said civil society groups had been campaigning for four to five months for the Census to be postponed until alleged illegal immigrants are identified and deported, adding that conducting delimitation while these concerns remain unresolved “would not ensure justice for Manipur’s indigenous communities.” He said the groups turned to legal intervention after concluding that agitation alone would not resolve the issue. CSOs push for tripartite talks Separately, a delegation of Manipur civil society organisations had urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to convene tripartite talks involving the Union government, the state government, and representatives of different communities before the Census proceeds, arguing that citizenship-related concerns must be resolved first for the exercise to gain acceptance across the state. What’s next The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for October 12, 2026, the same date set for the next house-listing operation, according to the court’s order. The development comes amid heightened sensitivities in Manipur around demography, citizenship and delimitation, following prolonged ethnic tensions in the state since 2023.

The Manipur High Court deferred the Census house-listing operation until October 12, responding to petitions demanding that illegal immigrants be identified and an updated NRC be implemented before proceeding.

Manipur census deferred till October 12 after high court order amidst NRC demands

The West Bengal government has formally submitted a proposal to the Union government, insisting that the interests of the state's rivers, ports and industries must not be compromised in any way as India prepares to renegotiate the 30-year Ganga-Padma water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year. Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, flagging a series of concerns that officials say could have far-reaching consequences for North Bengal and the state's riverine economy if left unaddressed in the new pact.<h2>Farakka flow critical for Kolkata port operations</h2>At the heart of the state's submission is the demand that adequate water flow be maintained through the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river via the Farakka Barrage during the dry season months. "Any reduction in the lean-season flow at Farakka does not remain a localised issue- it directly threatens the navigability of the Hooghly, which in turn puts shipping operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port at risk. The port is a critical gateway for eastern India's trade, and its viability depends on the river being kept navigable through the year," a senior state government official said, explaining why the flow issue has been placed at the centre of West Bengal's proposal.<h2>Erosion and flood risk in upstream districts</h2>The state has also warned that a diminished water flow could aggravate riverbank erosion and silt accumulation, worsening flood conditions in districts on both the upstream and downstream sides of the barrage. "Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia are already vulnerable to erosion and seasonal flooding. If the flow regime is altered without factoring in these districts' ground realities, we could see accelerated land loss and more frequent flood distress in these areas. This is not a hypothetical risk, it is something these districts have lived with for decades," the official added, underlining why the state wants erosion management written into the treaty framework itself.<h2>Arsenic contamination adds urgency to drinking water concerns</h2>Officials pointed out that the stakes extend beyond navigation and erosion. With groundwater levels declining and arsenic contamination affecting parts of the state, treated Ganga water has increasingly become a primary source for both drinking water supply and industrial use. Given how dependent our public health infrastructure has become on treated river water, especially in arsenic-affected belts, any compromise on the quantum or quality of flow in the new agreement will have consequences that go far beyond agriculture or shipping, it becomes a direct public health and industrial security issue for the state. &nbsp;Taking this into account, the state has urged that the renewed agreement accord ‘special importance’ to environmental risk assessment, erosion prevention, and long-term water security for the region.<h2>Call for consultation through Joint Rivers Commission</h2>West Bengal has additionally pressed for detailed discussions at the administrative level of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission before the Centre arrives at any final decision on the treaty's terms. "A treaty of this scale and duration needs to be negotiated with full participation of the state that bears its direct consequences. We have asked that no conclusions be finalised without a thorough round of administrative-level deliberations through the Joint Rivers Commission," the official said.<h2>Technical assessments already underway</h2>Meanwhile, technical teams from India and Bangladesh have already begun on-ground measurement of water flow and data collection along the Ganga-Padma system, focusing on the Farakka and Hardinge Bridge areas, a process expected to feed into the eventual terms of the renewed agreement.

The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year

The West Bengal government has formally submitted a proposal to the Union government, insisting that the interests of the state's rivers, ports and industries must not be compromised in any way as India prepares to renegotiate the 30-year Ganga-Padma water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. The landmark agreement, first signed in 1996, is set to expire in December this year. Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, flagging a series of concerns that officials say could have far-reaching consequences for North Bengal and the state's riverine economy if left unaddressed in the new pact. Farakka flow critical for Kolkata port operations At the heart of the state's submission is the demand that adequate water flow be maintained through the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river via the Farakka Barrage during the dry season months. "Any reduction in the lean-season flow at Farakka does not remain a localised issue- it directly threatens the navigability of the Hooghly, which in turn puts shipping operations at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port at risk. The port is a critical gateway for eastern India's trade, and its viability depends on the river being kept navigable through the year," a senior state government official said, explaining why the flow issue has been placed at the centre of West Bengal's proposal. Erosion and flood risk in upstream districts The state has also warned that a diminished water flow could aggravate riverbank erosion and silt accumulation, worsening flood conditions in districts on both the upstream and downstream sides of the barrage. "Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia are already vulnerable to erosion and seasonal flooding. If the flow regime is altered without factoring in these districts' ground realities, we could see accelerated land loss and more frequent flood distress in these areas. This is not a hypothetical risk, it is something these districts have lived with for decades," the official added, underlining why the state wants erosion management written into the treaty framework itself. Arsenic contamination adds urgency to drinking water concerns Officials pointed out that the stakes extend beyond navigation and erosion. With groundwater levels declining and arsenic contamination affecting parts of the state, treated Ganga water has increasingly become a primary source for both drinking water supply and industrial use. Given how dependent our public health infrastructure has become on treated river water, especially in arsenic-affected belts, any compromise on the quantum or quality of flow in the new agreement will have consequences that go far beyond agriculture or shipping, it becomes a direct public health and industrial security issue for the state. Taking this into account, the state has urged that the renewed agreement accord ‘special importance’ to environmental risk assessment, erosion prevention, and long-term water security for the region. Call for consultation through Joint Rivers Commission West Bengal has additionally pressed for detailed discussions at the administrative level of the India-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission before the Centre arrives at any final decision on the treaty's terms. "A treaty of this scale and duration needs to be negotiated with full participation of the state that bears its direct consequences. We have asked that no conclusions be finalised without a thorough round of administrative-level deliberations through the Joint Rivers Commission," the official said. Technical assessments already underway Meanwhile, technical teams from India and Bangladesh have already begun on-ground measurement of water flow and data collection along the Ganga-Padma system, focusing on the Farakka and Hardinge Bridge areas, a process expected to feed into the eventual terms of the renewed agreement.

Ahead of the deadline, representatives of the state government presented a detailed report on the matter before an internal committee of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti

West Bengal urges Centre to safeguard state's rivers, ports before Ganga-Padma Treaty renewal

The Supreme Court has extended, through an interim order on Monday (Aug 31) , the service tenure of eligible West Bengal teachers until May 31, 2027, offering fresh relief in the long-running case over the state's 2016 teacher recruitment process. The order was passed by a bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kumar.Around 17,000 eligible teachers will be allowed to remain in service until the new deadline. Significantly, the court made clear that this is the final opportunity for them to continue in their posts, signalling it is unlikely to grant any further extensions beyond May 2027.The order provides continued relief to teachers who were cleared of wrongdoing after the court cancelled the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) panel over allegations of widespread irregularities, commonly referred to as the "cash-for-jobs" scam. The Supreme Court had earlier upheld a Calcutta High Court verdict invalidating the appointment of 25,753 teachers and staffers hired through that panel, ruling that the entire selection process was "vitiated and tainted."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-interacts-with-students-in-tashkent-pays-floral-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-in-bishkek-ahead-of-sco-summit-1788162039620">PM Modi interacts with students in Tashkent, pays floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek ahead of SCO Summit</a>This is not the first time the court has had to push back the deadline. It had earlier fixed December 31, 2025 as the cut-off for completing the recruitment exercise, but the SSC later sought more time, citing delays caused by a string of writ petitions challenging various recruitment rules, which pushed the deadline to August 31, 2026. With that timeline also proving too tight, the court has now moved the goalposts again — this time to May 31, 2027, while explicitly flagging that this extension will not be repeated.As with earlier rounds, the state government told the bench that the fresh recruitment process is already underway but needs more time to conclude. The extension is meant to let the state complete that process while giving the eligible teachers temporary breathing room in the interim.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-based-terrorist-handlers-isi-using-porn-sites-and-encrypted-apps-to-communicate-with-recruits-in-j-k-1788115668072">Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and apps to communicate</a>The case has been a recurring flashpoint in West Bengal, triggering protests by affected teachers in Kolkata and Delhi, and repeated political sparring, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government previously welcoming similar extensions as vindication of its recruitment overhaul — even as some "untainted" teachers have called such relief only a short-term reprieve, given the case's history of shifting deadlines. With the court now signalling finality, the pressure on the state to wrap up recruitment before May 2027 is likely to intensify.

The Supreme Court granted a final extension to around 17,000 West Bengal teachers, allowing them to remain in service until May 31, 2027, while fresh recruitments are completed.

The Supreme Court has extended, through an interim order on Monday (Aug 31) , the service tenure of eligible West Bengal teachers until May 31, 2027, offering fresh relief in the long-running case over the state's 2016 teacher recruitment process. The order was passed by a bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kumar. Around 17,000 eligible teachers will be allowed to remain in service until the new deadline. Significantly, the court made clear that this is the final opportunity for them to continue in their posts, signalling it is unlikely to grant any further extensions beyond May 2027. The order provides continued relief to teachers who were cleared of wrongdoing after the court cancelled the 2016 School Service Commission (SSC) panel over allegations of widespread irregularities, commonly referred to as the "cash-for-jobs" scam. The Supreme Court had earlier upheld a Calcutta High Court verdict invalidating the appointment of 25,753 teachers and staffers hired through that panel, ruling that the entire selection process was "vitiated and tainted." Also read: PM Modi interacts with students in Tashkent, pays floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek ahead of SCO Summit This is not the first time the court has had to push back the deadline. It had earlier fixed December 31, 2025 as the cut-off for completing the recruitment exercise, but the SSC later sought more time, citing delays caused by a string of writ petitions challenging various recruitment rules, which pushed the deadline to August 31, 2026. With that timeline also proving too tight, the court has now moved the goalposts again — this time to May 31, 2027, while explicitly flagging that this extension will not be repeated. As with earlier rounds, the state government told the bench that the fresh recruitment process is already underway but needs more time to conclude. The extension is meant to let the state complete that process while giving the eligible teachers temporary breathing room in the interim. Also read: Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and apps to communicate The case has been a recurring flashpoint in West Bengal, triggering protests by affected teachers in Kolkata and Delhi, and repeated political sparring, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government previously welcoming similar extensions as vindication of its recruitment overhaul — even as some "untainted" teachers have called such relief only a short-term reprieve, given the case's history of shifting deadlines. With the court now signalling finality, the pressure on the state to wrap up recruitment before May 2027 is likely to intensify.

The Supreme Court granted a final extension to around 17,000 West Bengal teachers, allowing them to remain in service until May 31, 2027, while fresh recruitments are completed.&nbsp;

Supreme Court extends West Bengal teachers' tenure till May 31, 2027, calls it final opportunity

A fire broke out at a food plaza outside Sealdah railway station in Kolkata on Monday morning, triggering panic among passengers and commuters. The fire was reported at around 9:15 am, with thick smoke emerging from food shops near the taxi stand outside the station’s South section. The Sealdah RPF control room confirmed the incident.&nbsp;Three fire engines were deployed to the spot as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. The area was barricaded by the RPF, while passengers and members of the public were moved away from the site as a precaution.Firefighters had to break the glass walls and wooden doors of the food plaza to access the fire and pump water inside. Personnel wearing oxygen masks entered the enclosed premises, while commercial gas cylinders were being carefully removed from the area.&nbsp;A firefighter said the blaze was being tackled using water brought by the fire brigade and claimed that the food court's own fire-fighting system had not functioned. He said authorities would examine whether there was any mechanical fault in the system.&nbsp;The cause of the fire has not yet been established. While some suggested a possible short circuit, fire officials said the exact cause would be known only after an investigation. The incident has also raised questions over fire-safety arrangements at the food plaza. According to the officials, a fire had occurred at the same food court a few months ago.&nbsp;The plaza has reportedly been created by converting a train coach and contains extensive false-ceiling structures, which may have contributed to the spread of the fire. A railway hospital is located adjacent to the food plaza, and firefighters were also working to prevent the blaze from spreading towards the hospital. No casualties have been reported thus far.&nbsp;

A firefighter said the blaze was being tackled using water brought by the fire brigade and claimed that the food court's own fire-fighting system had not functioned. 

A fire broke out at a food plaza outside Sealdah railway station in Kolkata on Monday morning, triggering panic among passengers and commuters. The fire was reported at around 9:15 am, with thick smoke emerging from food shops near the taxi stand outside the station’s South section. The Sealdah RPF control room confirmed the incident. Three fire engines were deployed to the spot as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. The area was barricaded by the RPF, while passengers and members of the public were moved away from the site as a precaution. Firefighters had to break the glass walls and wooden doors of the food plaza to access the fire and pump water inside. Personnel wearing oxygen masks entered the enclosed premises, while commercial gas cylinders were being carefully removed from the area. A firefighter said the blaze was being tackled using water brought by the fire brigade and claimed that the food court's own fire-fighting system had not functioned. He said authorities would examine whether there was any mechanical fault in the system. The cause of the fire has not yet been established. While some suggested a possible short circuit, fire officials said the exact cause would be known only after an investigation. The incident has also raised questions over fire-safety arrangements at the food plaza. According to the officials, a fire had occurred at the same food court a few months ago. The plaza has reportedly been created by converting a train coach and contains extensive false-ceiling structures, which may have contributed to the spread of the fire. A railway hospital is located adjacent to the food plaza, and firefighters were also working to prevent the blaze from spreading towards the hospital. No casualties have been reported thus far.

A firefighter said the blaze was being tackled using water brought by the fire brigade and claimed that the food court's own fire-fighting system had not functioned.&nbsp;

Fire breaks out at food plaza outside Kolkata’s Sealdah station

By Sunday night, paintbrushes were out again on the Jadavpur University campus. A day after authorities whitewashed slogans the state government had branded "anti-national," students from Left-leaning student groups were already back on the walls- reclaiming, repainting, and daring the administration to erase them a second time.&nbsp;At the centre of the standoff is chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, whose intervention has turned a routine campus dispute over graffiti into a sharply drawn battle line between the state and its most politically restive university.<h3>The Spark</h3>Addressing a gathering outside JU on Friday, Adhikari singled out specific wall writings- including a tribute to Maoist leader Kishenji and messages supporting Palestine-and demanded they be removed. He framed the graffiti almost entirely through the lens of national loyalty, contrasting slogans about Palestine with the more "acceptable" cause of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, and questioning why students would honour a figure linked to insurgent violence while he remained responsible for law and order in the state.&nbsp;Days earlier, on August 24, Adhikari had posted a video objecting to other graffiti- including one reading that fascists deserve "a bullet in the head"- amplifying pressure on the university to act. By Saturday, the administration had complied, whitewashing several contested slogans. Higher education minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay backed the move bluntly, dismissing the graffiti as "garbage" and warning that if the university didn't act, the government would step in itself.<h3>The "Us vs Them" Framing</h3>What has struck students and observers alike is how explicitly the conflict has been cast in binary terms- nationalist versus anti-national, order versus disorder, "we" the state versus "they" the campus radicals. Adhikari's own words leaned into this framing directly, invoking a serious terror attack and a deadly ambush on security personnel from 2010 to argue that celebrating Kishenji amounted to endorsing violence against the state.&nbsp;Student groups pushed back hard against that logic. Indranuj Ray of the Revolutionary Students' Front argued that when a government publicly labels slogans against fascism or in solidarity with Palestine as anti-national, it is effectively admitting to fascist rule itself. He described the freshly whitewashed walls as symbols of what he called an undeclared emergency, vowing that new messages would reappear within days.&nbsp;The Left student body SFI struck a similarly defiant note. Its JU unit secretary said the walls would be "taken back" and repainted with resistance messaging, while SFI leader Gaurav Barman confirmed plans to restore both the Palestinian flag and the "Free Palestine" slogan by Monday — a call, he said, against what SFI describes as genocide in Gaza.As a symbolic first move, SFI members marked several walls on Sunday with the organisation's name and the date "28.02.2027" — effectively staking a claim over the surface until that date, ahead of repainting the full slogans.&nbsp;A poster released by SFI's local committee carried a defiant Hindi couplet, roughly translated as a warning that suppressing dissent on the ground would only see revolution written across the sky — a line drawn from Aamir Aziz's protest poem *Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega*.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-based-terrorist-handlers-isi-using-porn-sites-and-encrypted-apps-to-communicate-with-recruits-in-j-k-1788115668072"> Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and encrypted apps to communicate with ‘recruits’ in J&amp;K</a><h3>The University Caught in the Middle</h3>Jadavpur University's administration has tried, with limited success, to stay above the political crossfire. Vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee declined to say whether repainted graffiti would be erased again, saying only that he could not comment on the matter. Registrar Selim Box Mandal took a more definitive line, stating that a campus should not host controversial graffiti at all.&nbsp;That ambiguity has left the university exposed to pressure from both sides. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS-affiliated student body whose complaints appear to have helped trigger Adhikari's intervention, welcomed the whitewashing but said the job was incomplete. ABVP's JU spokesperson, Subhajit Saha, said several "obscene and vulgar" graffiti remained and had no place in an educational institution, singling out slogans calling for the CPI (Maoist) ban to be lifted and one praising Maoist commander Madvi Hidma.<h3>Beyond Politics: A Fight Over What Counts as "Obscene"</h3>Not all of the contested art is overtly political. ABVP has also objected to a menstrual-destigmatisation mural declaring solidarity with women who "bleed proudly," positioned near a quote from Mao Zedong on women holding up half the sky, and to a painting of a kissing couple beside a portrait of artist Chittaprosad Bhattacharya. Saha said ABVP has no objection to Chittaprosad's portrait itself and claimed to welcome creative expression — but drew the line at what he called Maoist advocacy and "anti-national activities."&nbsp;Students rejected that distinction as inconsistent. Sociology student Anubhab Gupta questioned how the same painter's imagery could be embraced in one context and condemned as obscene in another, suggesting the real discomfort was with depictions of intimacy rather than any coherent principle. History student Rijupalika Mukherjee went further, arguing that treating open conversation about menstrual health as obscene reflected an anti-woman mindset rather than any real concern for campus decorum.&nbsp;Even faculty pushed back gently against a blanket approach. A senior professor at the university noted that many of the wall artworks carry genuine social messages and that controversy over some content shouldn't be used to condemn all of it indiscriminately.<h3>What Comes Next</h3>Art Against Oppression, a JU student cultural collective, has called on students to bring their brushes back to campus on Monday and Tuesday, framing the repainting as both artistic expression and political resistance. Member Udita Bedajna described the walls as a democratic space that the university's political opponents fear precisely because they cannot control it, vowing that students would not be intimidated.&nbsp;With SFI, RSF, and allied groups all promising to repaint the erased slogans this week, and the state government showing no sign of softening its stance, Jadavpur University's walls look set to become the site of a prolonged tug-of-war- one where every fresh coat of whitewash is likely to be met, within days, by another coat of paint.

At the centre of the standoff is Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, whose intervention has turned a routine campus dispute over graffiti into a sharply drawn battle line between the state and its most politically restive university.

By Sunday night, paintbrushes were out again on the Jadavpur University campus. A day after authorities whitewashed slogans the state government had branded "anti-national," students from Left-leaning student groups were already back on the walls- reclaiming, repainting, and daring the administration to erase them a second time. At the centre of the standoff is chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, whose intervention has turned a routine campus dispute over graffiti into a sharply drawn battle line between the state and its most politically restive university. The Spark Addressing a gathering outside JU on Friday, Adhikari singled out specific wall writings- including a tribute to Maoist leader Kishenji and messages supporting Palestine-and demanded they be removed. He framed the graffiti almost entirely through the lens of national loyalty, contrasting slogans about Palestine with the more "acceptable" cause of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, and questioning why students would honour a figure linked to insurgent violence while he remained responsible for law and order in the state. Days earlier, on August 24, Adhikari had posted a video objecting to other graffiti- including one reading that fascists deserve "a bullet in the head"- amplifying pressure on the university to act. By Saturday, the administration had complied, whitewashing several contested slogans. Higher education minister Jagannath Chattopadhyay backed the move bluntly, dismissing the graffiti as "garbage" and warning that if the university didn't act, the government would step in itself. The "Us vs Them" Framing What has struck students and observers alike is how explicitly the conflict has been cast in binary terms- nationalist versus anti-national, order versus disorder, "we" the state versus "they" the campus radicals. Adhikari's own words leaned into this framing directly, invoking a serious terror attack and a deadly ambush on security personnel from 2010 to argue that celebrating Kishenji amounted to endorsing violence against the state. Student groups pushed back hard against that logic. Indranuj Ray of the Revolutionary Students' Front argued that when a government publicly labels slogans against fascism or in solidarity with Palestine as anti-national, it is effectively admitting to fascist rule itself. He described the freshly whitewashed walls as symbols of what he called an undeclared emergency, vowing that new messages would reappear within days. The Left student body SFI struck a similarly defiant note. Its JU unit secretary said the walls would be "taken back" and repainted with resistance messaging, while SFI leader Gaurav Barman confirmed plans to restore both the Palestinian flag and the "Free Palestine" slogan by Monday — a call, he said, against what SFI describes as genocide in Gaza. As a symbolic first move, SFI members marked several walls on Sunday with the organisation's name and the date "28.02.2027" — effectively staking a claim over the surface until that date, ahead of repainting the full slogans. A poster released by SFI's local committee carried a defiant Hindi couplet, roughly translated as a warning that suppressing dissent on the ground would only see revolution written across the sky — a line drawn from Aamir Aziz's protest poem *Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega*. Also read: Pak-based terrorist handlers, ISI using porn sites and encrypted apps to communicate with ‘recruits’ in J&K The University Caught in the Middle Jadavpur University's administration has tried, with limited success, to stay above the political crossfire. Vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee declined to say whether repainted graffiti would be erased again, saying only that he could not comment on the matter. Registrar Selim Box Mandal took a more definitive line, stating that a campus should not host controversial graffiti at all. That ambiguity has left the university exposed to pressure from both sides. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the RSS-affiliated student body whose complaints appear to have helped trigger Adhikari's intervention, welcomed the whitewashing but said the job was incomplete. ABVP's JU spokesperson, Subhajit Saha, said several "obscene and vulgar" graffiti remained and had no place in an educational institution, singling out slogans calling for the CPI (Maoist) ban to be lifted and one praising Maoist commander Madvi Hidma. Beyond Politics: A Fight Over What Counts as "Obscene" Not all of the contested art is overtly political. ABVP has also objected to a menstrual-destigmatisation mural declaring solidarity with women who "bleed proudly," positioned near a quote from Mao Zedong on women holding up half the sky, and to a painting of a kissing couple beside a portrait of artist Chittaprosad Bhattacharya. Saha said ABVP has no objection to Chittaprosad's portrait itself and claimed to welcome creative expression — but drew the line at what he called Maoist advocacy and "anti-national activities." Students rejected that distinction as inconsistent. Sociology student Anubhab Gupta questioned how the same painter's imagery could be embraced in one context and condemned as obscene in another, suggesting the real discomfort was with depictions of intimacy rather than any coherent principle. History student Rijupalika Mukherjee went further, arguing that treating open conversation about menstrual health as obscene reflected an anti-woman mindset rather than any real concern for campus decorum. Even faculty pushed back gently against a blanket approach. A senior professor at the university noted that many of the wall artworks carry genuine social messages and that controversy over some content shouldn't be used to condemn all of it indiscriminately. What Comes Next Art Against Oppression, a JU student cultural collective, has called on students to bring their brushes back to campus on Monday and Tuesday, framing the repainting as both artistic expression and political resistance. Member Udita Bedajna described the walls as a democratic space that the university's political opponents fear precisely because they cannot control it, vowing that students would not be intimidated. With SFI, RSF, and allied groups all promising to repaint the erased slogans this week, and the state government showing no sign of softening its stance, Jadavpur University's walls look set to become the site of a prolonged tug-of-war- one where every fresh coat of whitewash is likely to be met, within days, by another coat of paint.

At the centre of the standoff is Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, whose intervention has turned a routine campus dispute over graffiti into a sharply drawn battle line between the state and its most politically restive university.

Walls as battleground: Jadavpur University's graffiti war turns into test of 'us vs them'

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