Indian authorities have detained seven foreign nationals, including six from Ukraine and one from the United States, over alleged illegal entry into the northeast. The National Investigation Agency is probing claims that the group entered Mizoram without valid permits. Investigators are also looking into suspicions that they may have been involved in training rebel groups operating across the border in Myanmar.


BREAKING: Seven Foreign Nationals Held In India Over Illegal Entry And Rebel Links

In Nigeria, violent clashes have intensified between Boko Haram and its rival faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The infighting has led to heavy casualties on both sides, further destabilizing the northeastern region. Security forces are on high alert as tensions escalate. The conflict highlights ongoing challenges in combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.


Nigeria: Clashes Intensify Between Boko Haram & Rival Islamic State 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple regions of the country. Several states are expected to face intense monsoon activity, with alerts for possible flash floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging. The ongoing monsoon spell continues to impact daily life, travel, and agriculture. Here's a detailed look at the forecast, affected areas, and precautionary advisories issued by authorities.

India faces heavy rains, flooding & landslides

Delhi is experiencing severe monsoon conditions as the Yamuna River has breached the critical danger mark—raising flood concerns across low-lying areas. An orange alert is in effect, prompting work-from-home advisories, travel disruptions, and heightened readiness by disaster response teams. Schools and offices are encouraged to shift online as authorities closely monitor river levels and warn of further rainfall in the coming days.

Delhi drenched, Yamuna river breaches danger mark | Work from home advisory 

Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said. The FMR policy, in operation along the 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, has become a point of contention due to its alleged misuse, leading to concerns about "illegal immigration, drug, and arms trafficking."

Local residents and the Manipur government have voiced grievances, prompting the Central government to consider revisiting the policy.

<h2>Background of the Free Movement Regime</h2>

Initiated in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy, the FMR permits individuals residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the India-Myanmar border, belonging to hill tribes and citizens of either India or Myanmar, to travel across the border without a visa. The policy aims to foster cross-border interactions while allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit.

But now, there's a proposal to terminate the FMR. The government aims to replace it with a comprehensive fencing project, expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years, reported the news agency ANI.

Individuals entering the border region will be required to obtain a visa, signaling a shift from the current visa-free movement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-rules-may-be-notified-much-before-lok-sabha-elections-report-676226">Also read |&nbsp;CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha elections: Report</a>

Officials as quoted by ANI, said that the primary objectives are to curb the misuse of the FMR, exploited by insurgent groups for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, and to stem the inflow of illegal immigrants involved in various illicit activities, including drug and gold smuggling.

The process of tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is underway, with implementation set to commence shortly, according to reports. The smart fencing system is expected to enhance border security and contribute to the government's overall objectives.

Allegations point to an influx of Myanmar's tribal population into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. It is alleged that a considerable number of individuals sought refuge in India and engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling.

In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to terminate the FMR, citing concerns that insurgents exploit the regime for their activities.

Manipur shares a porous border of approximately 390 km with Myanmar, with only about 10 km currently fenced.

Also watch |&nbsp;What India has to gain &amp; lose if Sheikh Hasina retains power in Bangladesh

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Similarly, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of anti-Junta rebels, with government estimates suggesting thousands of refugees settling in various parts of the state. 
 
Mizoram shares a porous border spanning 510 kilometres&nbsp;with Myanmar.

Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also share extensive borders with Myanmar, emphasising the broader implications of the proposed termination of the FMR. 
 
Arunachal Pradesh has a 520-kilometre border, while Nagaland's border with Myanmar spans 215 km.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said.

Officials from the Central government are deliberating the termination of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar as a measure to counter the surge of illegal migrants and insurgents, Indian media reports said. The FMR policy, in operation along the 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, has become a point of contention due to its alleged misuse, leading to concerns about "illegal immigration, drug, and arms trafficking." Local residents and the Manipur government have voiced grievances, prompting the Central government to consider revisiting the policy. Background of the Free Movement Regime Initiated in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy, the FMR permits individuals residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the India-Myanmar border, belonging to hill tribes and citizens of either India or Myanmar, to travel across the border without a visa. The policy aims to foster cross-border interactions while allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit. But now, there's a proposal to terminate the FMR. The government aims to replace it with a comprehensive fencing project, expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years, reported the news agency ANI. Individuals entering the border region will be required to obtain a visa, signaling a shift from the current visa-free movement. Also read | CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha elections: Report Officials as quoted by ANI, said that the primary objectives are to curb the misuse of the FMR, exploited by insurgent groups for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, and to stem the inflow of illegal immigrants involved in various illicit activities, including drug and gold smuggling. The process of tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is underway, with implementation set to commence shortly, according to reports. The smart fencing system is expected to enhance border security and contribute to the government's overall objectives. Allegations point to an influx of Myanmar's tribal population into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021. It is alleged that a considerable number of individuals sought refuge in India and engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling. In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed to terminate the FMR, citing concerns that insurgents exploit the regime for their activities. Manipur shares a porous border of approximately 390 km with Myanmar, with only about 10 km currently fenced. Also watch | What India has to gain & lose if Sheikh Hasina retains power in Bangladesh Similarly, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of anti-Junta rebels, with government estimates suggesting thousands of refugees settling in various parts of the state. Mizoram shares a porous border spanning 510 kilometres with Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland also share extensive borders with Myanmar, emphasising the broader implications of the proposed termination of the FMR. Arunachal Pradesh has a 520-kilometre border, while Nagaland's border with Myanmar spans 215 km. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt plans to end Free Movement Regime along international border with Myanmar

The Indian government has greenlit four new air routes connecting northeastern states to international destinations under the flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which translates to "Let the common citizens of the country fly."&nbsp;

This government initiative promotes regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and accessible to a larger population, especially in remote regions.

This has marked a historic first for the region. The routes include connections from Assam to Thailand and Bangladesh, Manipur to Myanmar, and Tripura to Bangladesh.

<h2>Subsidised fare&nbsp;</h2>

Scheduled to become operational within a few weeks, the airfares on these routes—Guwahati-Bangkok, Guwahati-Dhaka, Imphal-Mandalay, and Agartala-Chittagong—will be subsidised under the UDAN scheme.&nbsp;

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Anil Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), during the 11th International Tourism Mart in Shillong, reportedly said that the new routes were proposed based on demands from the concerned states and are aimed to promote tourism from neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

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The official also reportedly said that four more routes linking the northeast to neighbouring countries are in the pipeline.&nbsp;

Two of these routes, Guwahati-Dhaka and Agartala-Chittagong, are under 500 km and are expected to cost travelers under Rs 4,000 once operational.

<h5>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/assembly-elections-results-celebrations-begin-as-cong-takes-massive-lead-in-telangana-665707">Assembly Elections Results: Celebrations begin as Cong takes massive lead in Telangana</a></h5>

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UDAN scheme, launched on April 27, 2017, initially capped airfares for journeys under 500 km at Rs 2,500 for 40 seats on a flight. Now, officials indicate&nbsp;that airlines can charge up to Rs 3,800 for the same.

Introduced in 2022, 'International UDAN,' improves air connectivity from specific states to selected international destinations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has greenlit four new air routes connecting northeastern states to international destinations under the flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which translates to "Let the common citizens of the country fly.

The Indian government has greenlit four new air routes connecting northeastern states to international destinations under the flagship regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), which translates to "Let the common citizens of the country fly." This government initiative promotes regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable and accessible to a larger population, especially in remote regions. This has marked a historic first for the region. The routes include connections from Assam to Thailand and Bangladesh, Manipur to Myanmar, and Tripura to Bangladesh. Subsidised fare Scheduled to become operational within a few weeks, the airfares on these routes—Guwahati-Bangkok, Guwahati-Dhaka, Imphal-Mandalay, and Agartala-Chittagong—will be subsidised under the UDAN scheme. Also Read | Cyclone Michaung: PM Modi speaks to Andhra CM, takes stock of preparations Anil Kumar Gupta, Executive Director of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), during the 11th International Tourism Mart in Shillong, reportedly said that the new routes were proposed based on demands from the concerned states and are aimed to promote tourism from neighbouring countries. Also Read | Telangana election results 2023: BRS concedes defeat, extends congratulations to Congress The official also reportedly said that four more routes linking the northeast to neighbouring countries are in the pipeline. Two of these routes, Guwahati-Dhaka and Agartala-Chittagong, are under 500 km and are expected to cost travelers under Rs 4,000 once operational. Watch | Assembly Elections Results: Celebrations begin as Cong takes massive lead in Telangana × UDAN scheme, launched on April 27, 2017, initially capped airfares for journeys under 500 km at Rs 2,500 for 40 seats on a flight. Now, officials indicate that airlines can charge up to Rs 3,800 for the same. Introduced in 2022, 'International UDAN,' improves air connectivity from specific states to selected international destinations. (With inputs from agencies)

India greenlights new air routes connecting northeastern states to International destinations

Severe cyclone Mocha on Friday morning intensified over the southeast Bay of Bengal with winds of around 140-150 km/h with a 165 km/h gust. According to M Mohapatra, director general of India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are dry, continental winds blowing over all of east India in the general direction of Cyclone Mocha. On May 13 and 14, Mohapatra predicted rain and severe winds for the northeastern states.

Cyclone Mocha intensified into a "very severe" cyclonic storm today over the southeast and adjoining areas of the central Bay of Bengal. As per IMD, "The SCS "Mocha" intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm, lay centered at 05:30 hours IST of 12th May 2023 over central adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal near latitude 13.2N and long 88.1E, about 520 km west-northwest of Port Blair."

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IMD has issued warnings about the potential for landslides in sensitive places, minor damage to weak or unstable structures, uprooting of small trees and breaking of tree limbs, and damage to tiny trees like banana trees in Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur.

It has requested that farmers to rapidly harvest mature fruits and crops, stake and cover vegetable nurseries and orchards, refrain from using chemicals, and confine cattle to sheds.

The really rough to phenomenal sea (9–14 m wave height) is expected to have an impact on the shipping and offshore industries. Up to Saturday, IMD advises regulating shipping, offshore operations, and tourism around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has suggested limiting ships till Sunday in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.

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Mocha is not likely to have any impact on the monsoon which usually reaches Kerala around 1 June. “Mocha is a transient system and there is still a fortnight left for the normal onset date for monsoon. We do not think the very severe cyclone will impact monsoon onset,” said Mohapatra.

On Friday morning, Mocha was around 520 kilometres to the west-northwest of Port Blair. The tropical heat potential, which fuels the cyclone, is at its highest level close to the coast of Myanmar, according to an IMD official.&nbsp;

“Bay of Bengal is considerably warm with sea surface temperatures of over 30°C over most parts of the ocean.”

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Sea surface temperatures near Myanmar were, according to climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (Pune), as high as those around the Bay at 30-32°C, or 1-2°C above average.&nbsp;

“The subsurface conditions are also warm, but not as warm as central Bay.”

Because of the winds and moisture that mocha is attracting, there will likely be extreme heat in several areas of east and northeast India. On Wednesday, portions of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Gangetic West Bengal had maximum temperatures that were well above average (5.1°C or above).

For patches in Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal on May 11, Konkan from May 10 to 12, Rajasthan on May 12 and 13, and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from May 13 to 15, IMD issued a heat wave warning. Uncomfortable weather is predicted in the Konkan, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu due to the humidity and high temperatures.

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Severe cyclone Mocha on Friday morning intensified over the southeast Bay of Bengal with winds of around 140-150 km/h with a 165 km/h gust. According to M Mohapatra, director general of India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are dry, continental winds blowing over all of east India in the general direction of Cyclone Mocha.

Severe cyclone Mocha on Friday morning intensified over the southeast Bay of Bengal with winds of around 140-150 km/h with a 165 km/h gust. According to M Mohapatra, director general of India Meteorological Department (IMD), there are dry, continental winds blowing over all of east India in the general direction of Cyclone Mocha. On May 13 and 14, Mohapatra predicted rain and severe winds for the northeastern states. Cyclone Mocha intensified into a "very severe" cyclonic storm today over the southeast and adjoining areas of the central Bay of Bengal. As per IMD, "The SCS "Mocha" intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm, lay centered at 05:30 hours IST of 12th May 2023 over central adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal near latitude 13.2N and long 88.1E, about 520 km west-northwest of Port Blair." Also Read | Adani Enterprises to consider fundraising after scrapped FPO IMD has issued warnings about the potential for landslides in sensitive places, minor damage to weak or unstable structures, uprooting of small trees and breaking of tree limbs, and damage to tiny trees like banana trees in Mizoram, Tripura, and South Manipur. It has requested that farmers to rapidly harvest mature fruits and crops, stake and cover vegetable nurseries and orchards, refrain from using chemicals, and confine cattle to sheds. The really rough to phenomenal sea (9–14 m wave height) is expected to have an impact on the shipping and offshore industries. Up to Saturday, IMD advises regulating shipping, offshore operations, and tourism around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has suggested limiting ships till Sunday in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Also Read | PTI leader Shireen Mazari arrested, CCTV footage shows armed cops entering her Islamabad house Mocha is not likely to have any impact on the monsoon which usually reaches Kerala around 1 June. “Mocha is a transient system and there is still a fortnight left for the normal onset date for monsoon. We do not think the very severe cyclone will impact monsoon onset,” said Mohapatra. On Friday morning, Mocha was around 520 kilometres to the west-northwest of Port Blair. The tropical heat potential, which fuels the cyclone, is at its highest level close to the coast of Myanmar, according to an IMD official. “Bay of Bengal is considerably warm with sea surface temperatures of over 30°C over most parts of the ocean.” Watch | Gravitas: Israeli attacks kill 4 Islamic jihad members in the Gaza strip × Sea surface temperatures near Myanmar were, according to climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (Pune), as high as those around the Bay at 30-32°C, or 1-2°C above average. “The subsurface conditions are also warm, but not as warm as central Bay.” Because of the winds and moisture that mocha is attracting, there will likely be extreme heat in several areas of east and northeast India. On Wednesday, portions of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Gangetic West Bengal had maximum temperatures that were well above average (5.1°C or above). For patches in Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal on May 11, Konkan from May 10 to 12, Rajasthan on May 12 and 13, and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam from May 13 to 15, IMD issued a heat wave warning. Uncomfortable weather is predicted in the Konkan, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu due to the humidity and high temperatures. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Cyclone Mocha to intensify, severe rain expected in India's northeastern states, check details

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>on Monday said that India`s growth engine would be further boosted with the development of Assam and the northeastern region.

Addressing a massive public gathering at Silapathar in eastern Assam`s Dhemaji district, the Prime Minister said that the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'&nbsp;vision would be further strengthened with the 'Aatmanirbhar Assam'&nbsp;and northeast.

"To achieve the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision continuous endeavours are going on. Whenever I visit Assam, I get the fresh impetus and inspirations to do more for the northeastern region," Modi said after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of five mega projects worth Rs 3,000 crore in gas, oil and education sectors.

"We are correcting the faults of the previous governments. If the policy is accurate, destiny would be perfect. Connectivity, health, education and infrastructure developments were ignored by the previous governments."

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The Prime Minister said that the government is trying to give engineering and medical education in local languages so that its benefit could be obtained by the poor students and learners residing in the far-flung areas. Referring to the song of a great singer and composer Bhupen Hazarika and rich Assamese cinema, Modi said that Assam`s all-round development would make the development of India easier.

"The entire world is now respectful of India`s engineering and technological milestones," he pointed out. The Prime Minister said that as the government is working with the mantra of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas`, LPG and electricity connections are being given to 100 per cent households in Assam and other parts of India as these were earlier available to less than 40 to 50 per cent families.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Rs 95,000 crore would be invested in Assam`s gas and oil sector for the projects initiated by the Prime Minister on Monday. He said that the earlier Congress-led UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh despite him representing Assam in the Parliament did nothing to utilise the gas and oil resources for the benefit of Assam and the country.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his speech said that Prime Minister Modi with his great vision for the all-round development of the region has won the hearts of every person of the eight northeastern states.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and state Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke in the gatherings. Monday`s visit and public address is the third in poll-bound Assam by the Prime Minister within 30 days since his visit to Sivasagar on January 23 and at Dhekiajuli in Assam`s Sonitpur district on February 7. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India`s growth engine would be further boosted with the development of Assam and the northeastern region. Addressing a massive public gathering at Silapathar in eastern Assam`s Dhemaji district, the Prime Minister said that the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision would be further strengthened with the 'Aatmanirbhar Assam' and northeast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India`s growth engine would be further boosted with the development of Assam and the northeastern region. Addressing a massive public gathering at Silapathar in eastern Assam`s Dhemaji district, the Prime Minister said that the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision would be further strengthened with the 'Aatmanirbhar Assam' and northeast. "To achieve the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision continuous endeavours are going on. Whenever I visit Assam, I get the fresh impetus and inspirations to do more for the northeastern region," Modi said after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of five mega projects worth Rs 3,000 crore in gas, oil and education sectors. "We are correcting the faults of the previous governments. If the policy is accurate, destiny would be perfect. Connectivity, health, education and infrastructure developments were ignored by the previous governments." Also read| India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi The Prime Minister said that the government is trying to give engineering and medical education in local languages so that its benefit could be obtained by the poor students and learners residing in the far-flung areas. Referring to the song of a great singer and composer Bhupen Hazarika and rich Assamese cinema, Modi said that Assam`s all-round development would make the development of India easier. "The entire world is now respectful of India`s engineering and technological milestones," he pointed out. The Prime Minister said that as the government is working with the mantra of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas`, LPG and electricity connections are being given to 100 per cent households in Assam and other parts of India as these were earlier available to less than 40 to 50 per cent families. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said that Rs 95,000 crore would be invested in Assam`s gas and oil sector for the projects initiated by the Prime Minister on Monday. He said that the earlier Congress-led UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh despite him representing Assam in the Parliament did nothing to utilise the gas and oil resources for the benefit of Assam and the country. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in his speech said that Prime Minister Modi with his great vision for the all-round development of the region has won the hearts of every person of the eight northeastern states. Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and state Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also spoke in the gatherings. Monday`s visit and public address is the third in poll-bound Assam by the Prime Minister within 30 days since his visit to Sivasagar on January 23 and at Dhekiajuli in Assam`s Sonitpur district on February 7.

India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that his government has taken up various developmental projects to correct the historical mistakes of neglecting Assam.

"Prior to Independence, Assam enjoyed a high per-capita income but since 1947, its development was neglected. Correcting the historical mistake of neglecting Assam had begun with former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and now it has gained strength with the BJP government taking its development as a priority," he said.

The PM virtually launched the Rs 3,231-crore 'Mahabahu Brahmaputra' project on Thursday, which includes the construction of inland water terminal at Jogighopa and tourist jetties at Pandu, Jogighopa, Neamati and Biswanath ghat.

Modi said developing waterway connectivity under 'Mahabahu Brahmaputra' will provide an alternative route to connect the northeast with other parts of India and neighbouring countries.

He laid the foundation of the country's longest river bridge of 19 km from Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, and the 8-km Jorhat- Majuli bridge.

The prime minister also laid the foundation of the Rs 350-crore North East Data Centre at Guwahati along with the e-portals PANI and CAR-D for ease of doing business.

"Many projects of roadways, waterways, airways, railways and several gas grids are either completed or under implementation," the Prime Minister said.

He said that the growth and progress in northeast got momentum during the governance of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present "double engine" government has given further momentum to it.

Modi said that waterways would play an important role in connecting the northeastern region with South-east Asian countries.

According to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the new projects worth a total of Rs 15,000 crore would make a sea change of connectivities and economy in Assam and other northeastern states and further strengthen the waterway connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Central Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Rameswar Teli, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma among others were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that his government has taken up various developmental projects to correct the historical mistakes of neglecting Assam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that his government has taken up various developmental projects to correct the historical mistakes of neglecting Assam. "Prior to Independence, Assam enjoyed a high per-capita income but since 1947, its development was neglected. Correcting the historical mistake of neglecting Assam had begun with former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and now it has gained strength with the BJP government taking its development as a priority," he said. The PM virtually launched the Rs 3,231-crore 'Mahabahu Brahmaputra' project on Thursday, which includes the construction of inland water terminal at Jogighopa and tourist jetties at Pandu, Jogighopa, Neamati and Biswanath ghat. Modi said developing waterway connectivity under 'Mahabahu Brahmaputra' will provide an alternative route to connect the northeast with other parts of India and neighbouring countries. He laid the foundation of the country's longest river bridge of 19 km from Dhubri in Assam to Phulbari in Meghalaya at an estimated cost of Rs 5,000 crore, and the 8-km Jorhat- Majuli bridge. The prime minister also laid the foundation of the Rs 350-crore North East Data Centre at Guwahati along with the e-portals PANI and CAR-D for ease of doing business. "Many projects of roadways, waterways, airways, railways and several gas grids are either completed or under implementation," the Prime Minister said. He said that the growth and progress in northeast got momentum during the governance of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present "double engine" government has given further momentum to it. Modi said that waterways would play an important role in connecting the northeastern region with South-east Asian countries. According to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the new projects worth a total of Rs 15,000 crore would make a sea change of connectivities and economy in Assam and other northeastern states and further strengthen the waterway connectivity with Bangladesh and Bhutan. Central Ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Rameswar Teli, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma among others were also present on the occasion. (With inputs from agencies)

We are correcting historical mistake of neglecting: PM Narendra Modi

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.&nbsp;

On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms.&nbsp;

The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region.&nbsp;

<img alt="drugs" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f2e6217-8092-459b-a6dc-4f91001d1812" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Drug.jpeg" />

Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart.&nbsp;

”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF.&nbsp;

The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur.&nbsp;

”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, officers of Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) carried out a late-night raid at Kolkata’s Paikpara area under Tala Police Station limits on Tuesday. On search of the spot, police recovered a huge quantity of banned contraband drug - Heroin weighing more than 25 kilograms. The officers of Kolkata Police’s STF have informed that the seized drug is worth more than Rs.100 crores. Sources say that it is one of the biggest seizures in West Bengal and the entire North East region. Police arrested two persons - an Uttar Pradesh based drug dealer and his Manipur based counterpart. ”A Specific case has been registered vide STF PS Case No 04 Dated 21.01.2020 U/s 21(c)/29 NDPS Act and investigation into the case is going on,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police’s STF. The arrested persons have been identified as Juber hailing from Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh and Moulana Fayazuddin hailing from Thoubal district of Manipur. ”The arrested accused persons will be produced before Ld. Special Judge, NDPS Act, City Sessions Court, Bankshall today and police remand will be sought for,” added the officer.

North East's biggest drug bust: Drugs worth Rs 100 crores seized, two arrested

By Mallika Singh&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

Four people have died in Assam, over 3000 people have been detained, 190 arrested and 136 cases have been registered over the last week of violent protests that have rocked the state.&nbsp;

"Four people have been killed in police action, unfortunately. The situation had become such that the police had to fire to save more people and property," said Assam's Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta.&nbsp;

"We had detained over 3,000 protestors. Preventive detentions are also taking place. We allowed the youngsters to leave after a counselling session," Mahanta added.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13.&nbsp;

Earlier the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after a heated nine hour-long debate, on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was previously introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, with 311-80 votes. &nbsp;

The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality.

The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country.

What is the Citizenship Amendment Act?

The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014.

It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship.

Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b).

The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government.

Who are Illegal migrants?&nbsp;

Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted period of stay.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The new Citizenship Act implies that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.

&nbsp;What is NRC?

The National Register of Citizens is a list of Indian citizens living in the state of Assam.&nbsp;

The first NRC was compiled in 1951 due to the issues of "outsiders" that the state has experienced on the accord of vast population exchange post-partition and for being a border state of India.&nbsp;

On August 31, 2019, under the supervision of the Indian Supreme Court, Assam had released the updated version of the list seeking to preserve the state’s ethnic uniqueness.

How is CAA different from NRC?

The CAA is driven by religion as it seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities, while the NRC seeks to detect any illegal migrants, irrespective of their religion, who moved to India post-midnight March 24, 1971, and eventually deport them to their native country.

Another major difference between the two is that the NRC is currently only confined to the state of Assam, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated claims that the NRC will be implemented nationwide.

The CAA is applicable nationally, despite the claimed intentions of Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab to block the Act in their respective states.

Will the CAA have an impact on NRC?

The updated version of the list has reportedly left out 19 lakh applicants who can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level and the Assam government will provide required financial assistance to file plea to those in need, Amit Shah claimed in parliament on November 20, 2019.

By Mallika Singh The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community.

By Mallika Singh The Citizenship Amendment Act has provoked violent protests throughout India especially in the regions of North East, West Bengal and now New Delhi and has gathered high criticism from the national as well as the international community. Four people have died in Assam, over 3000 people have been detained, 190 arrested and 136 cases have been registered over the last week of violent protests that have rocked the state. "Four people have been killed in police action, unfortunately. The situation had become such that the police had to fire to save more people and property," said Assam's Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta. "We had detained over 3,000 protestors. Preventive detentions are also taking place. We allowed the youngsters to leave after a counselling session," Mahanta added. The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 became an Act after receiving formal assent from President Ram Nath Kovind on December 13. Earlier the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha after a heated nine hour-long debate, on December 11, 2019, with 125 votes to 105, as it was previously introduced and passed in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament on December 9, 2019, with 311-80 votes. The fundamental criticism being faced is that the new Act specifically targets Muslims, making it in violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitution which enshrines the Fundamental Right to equality. The Citizenship Act is also being linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) which is currently under implementation in Assam and according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah is to be prepared for every state in the country. What is the Citizenship Amendment Act? The highly contentious Act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities-namely Hindus, Sikh, Jain, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the neighbouring Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan who moved to the country before the date of December 31, 2014. It amends the Citizenship Act, 1955 which regulates who may acquire Indian citizenship and on what grounds by adding provisions for Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian community in section 2, in sub-section (1), in clause (b) that they shall not be treated as illegal migrants. Illegal migrants are not eligible for Indian Citizenship. Under the provisions for procurement of citizenship by naturalisation, the BJP lead Indian government seeks to amend the requirement that the applicant must have resided in India "not less than five years" in place of "not less than eleven years" for the mentioned six religious communities from the three Muslim majority countries through Section 2(1) (b). The Bill also seeks to amend provisions related to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders, making it possible to cancel OCI registration of these persons in case of violation of any law notified by the Central Government. Who are Illegal migrants? Illegal migrants are defined as those foreigners who enter the country without valid travel documentation or who enter with valid documentation but exceed their permitted period of stay. The new Citizenship Act implies that the mentioned communities will not be deported or imprisoned for being in India without valid documentation under The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920. What is NRC? The National Register of Citizens is a list of Indian citizens living in the state of Assam. The first NRC was compiled in 1951 due to the issues of "outsiders" that the state has experienced on the accord of vast population exchange post-partition and for being a border state of India. On August 31, 2019, under the supervision of the Indian Supreme Court, Assam had released the updated version of the list seeking to preserve the state’s ethnic uniqueness. How is CAA different from NRC? The CAA is driven by religion as it seeks to grant Indian citizenship to undocumented religious minorities, while the NRC seeks to detect any illegal migrants, irrespective of their religion, who moved to India post-midnight March 24, 1971, and eventually deport them to their native country. Another major difference between the two is that the NRC is currently only confined to the state of Assam, despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s repeated claims that the NRC will be implemented nationwide. The CAA is applicable nationally, despite the claimed intentions of Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Kerala and Punjab to block the Act in their respective states. Will the CAA have an impact on NRC? The updated version of the list has reportedly left out 19 lakh applicants who can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level and the Assam government will provide required financial assistance to file plea to those in need, Amit Shah claimed in parliament on November 20, 2019.

What is Citizenship Amendment Act and how is it different from NRC?

Spread over two days, Celebrating North East 2019, an annual cultural event concluded on a high note on November 3 in New Delhi. Showcasing the rich heritage of India’s northeastern region with music, dance, fashion and some inspiring artisanal works, the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) organised the ninth edition of the festival.&nbsp;

The festival opener had guests like Usha Mangeshkar who inaugurated the pavilion of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, a Bharat Ratna Awardee. His son Tez Hazarika also attended the event along with award-winning filmmaker Rima Das who is best known for her National Film Award-winning movie ‘Village Rockstars’.&nbsp;

Usha Mangeshkar who was happy to be at the event said that she had to attend the festival as it was remembering Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who was an important part of the Mangeshkar family. On the need for such festivals, she told WION, “There is so much talent in the North East. Everyone needs to be made aware of their music, their culture that is so unique and worth celebrating.”

The second day had the Minister of State for Finance, Anurag Thakur, addressing the region that is brimming with talent.

Anurag Thakur on the event said, "Celebrating North East is providing a platform to the north-eastern regions of the country to showcase their talent and represent the beauty and skills of their homeland. The initiative is creating awareness about the less explored regions in the state and encouraging people to delve into the beauty of NER, indeed a great start to something beautiful!" &nbsp; &nbsp;

The cultural festival also featured fashion shows on both the days highlighting handloom and handicraft-ensembles. There were folk dances and special performances by Zubeen Garg, Joi Barua, Deeplina Deka and others.&nbsp;

Vikram Rai Medhi, Festival Director and CEO of NEIFT on the festival said, “It overwhelms me to see how kindly people are embracing the works of artisans, weavers, craftsmen and north-east as a whole. With utmost gratitude and a sense of pride, I can say it's time people of NER get their due in terms of appreciation as well as equal opportunities. Familiarising the people with north-eastern heritage and the rich culture that comes along with it, the festival has been a huge success, intending to reach other cities as well, starting with Mumbai with a special focus on the life and work of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.”

Spread over two days, Celebrating North East 2019, an annual cultural event concluded on a high note on November 3 in New Delhi. Showcasing the rich heritage of India’s northeastern region with music, dance, fashion and some inspiring artisanal works, the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) organised the ninth edition of the festival.

Spread over two days, Celebrating North East 2019, an annual cultural event concluded on a high note on November 3 in New Delhi. Showcasing the rich heritage of India’s northeastern region with music, dance, fashion and some inspiring artisanal works, the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) organised the ninth edition of the festival. The festival opener had guests like Usha Mangeshkar who inaugurated the pavilion of Dr Bhupen Hazarika, a Bharat Ratna Awardee. His son Tez Hazarika also attended the event along with award-winning filmmaker Rima Das who is best known for her National Film Award-winning movie ‘Village Rockstars’. Usha Mangeshkar who was happy to be at the event said that she had to attend the festival as it was remembering Dr Bhupen Hazarika, who was an important part of the Mangeshkar family. On the need for such festivals, she told WION, “There is so much talent in the North East. Everyone needs to be made aware of their music, their culture that is so unique and worth celebrating.” The second day had the Minister of State for Finance, Anurag Thakur, addressing the region that is brimming with talent. Anurag Thakur on the event said, "Celebrating North East is providing a platform to the north-eastern regions of the country to showcase their talent and represent the beauty and skills of their homeland. The initiative is creating awareness about the less explored regions in the state and encouraging people to delve into the beauty of NER, indeed a great start to something beautiful!" The cultural festival also featured fashion shows on both the days highlighting handloom and handicraft-ensembles. There were folk dances and special performances by Zubeen Garg, Joi Barua, Deeplina Deka and others. Vikram Rai Medhi, Festival Director and CEO of NEIFT on the festival said, “It overwhelms me to see how kindly people are embracing the works of artisans, weavers, craftsmen and north-east as a whole. With utmost gratitude and a sense of pride, I can say it's time people of NER get their due in terms of appreciation as well as equal opportunities. Familiarising the people with north-eastern heritage and the rich culture that comes along with it, the festival has been a huge success, intending to reach other cities as well, starting with Mumbai with a special focus on the life and work of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.”

Ninth-edition of 'Celebrating North East' concludes in Delhi with showcase of region's arts, music and dance

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections.

"Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said.

An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party.

It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

"The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states.

"It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said.

Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move.

"We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained.

The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said.

"It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status.

"The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added.

The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year.

Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast.

"It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said.

Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.&nbsp;

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region. Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections. "Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said. An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party. It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland. "The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states. "It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said. Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move. "We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained. The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said. "It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status. "The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added. The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year. Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast. "It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said. Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.

Will continue to serve northeast people, expand National People's Party base: Conrad K Sangma

An earthquake measuring&nbsp;5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today,&nbsp;India Meteorological Department said.

The tremors were felt around the Myanmar-India (Nagaland) Border Region&nbsp;at around 4:33 pm.

No casualties have been reported so far.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today, India Meteorological Department said. The tremors were felt around the Myanmar-India (Nagaland) Border Region at around 4:33 pm.

An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today, India Meteorological Department said. The tremors were felt around the Myanmar-India (Nagaland) Border Region at around 4:33 pm. No casualties have been reported so far. This is a developing story. More details awaited.

5.4 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Northeast India

BJP pushing for gains in West Bengal and Odisha and wants to win 35-40 seats in the East. BJP also wants to make gains in the North East.

India Election Watch: Decoding BJP's strategy for East

The dedication to serve the nation, feeling of satisfaction in performing duty and donning and honouring the uniform is what the woman soldiers of the all-women Assam Rifles Contingent have to say.

For the first time in the history of Assam Rifles and also in the paramilitary an all women Contingent will be saluting the President at the Rajpath this Republic Day on January 26.

This women Contingent is also special as some of the mahila jawans are kin of martyred soldiers, who have been recruited on compassionate ground. Some of them shared their experiences with ANI.

Rifle Woman Sunita Thapa, who was recruited in place of her husband said that she had stepped into her husband`s shoes only to fulfil his dreams.

Praising the support she is getting from her family, the mother of a five-year-old son said, "The entire family is proud of me and I am proud of the Assam Rifles".The soldier said that her husband died in an accident when he was on leave and she would try to fulfil all his dream as a soldier.

She also said that she was managing both the role as a mother and a soldier with ease and support from her family.

Another Rifle Woman Gayatri Sharma, who had joined the force one and half years ago, said that she was recruited in the force in place of her father who attained martyrdom in 2001.

The soldier said that she lost her father, who too was an Assam Rifles Jawan when she was just three-years-old. "I got a letter from Assam Rifles to join the force. I will perform my duty with full dedication for my country just like my father," the Rifle Woman said.

Speaking about being selected as part of the Republic Day Contingent that she was feeling honoured. The Contingent will be led by Major Khusboo Kanwar. It consists of 144 members excluding two officers and two officers.

Terming the Contingent as special the officer said for the first time in the history a women Contingent of the paramilitary will be marching on the majestic Rajpath.

She said the women soldiers of the force were no less than their men counterparts. They were successfully performing their duties in counterinsurgency in many areas of the North East.&nbsp;

For the first time in the history of Assam Rifles and also in the paramilitary an all women Contingent will be saluting the President at the Rajpath this Republic Day on January 26.

The dedication to serve the nation, feeling of satisfaction in performing duty and donning and honouring the uniform is what the woman soldiers of the all-women Assam Rifles Contingent have to say. For the first time in the history of Assam Rifles and also in the paramilitary an all women Contingent will be saluting the President at the Rajpath this Republic Day on January 26. This women Contingent is also special as some of the mahila jawans are kin of martyred soldiers, who have been recruited on compassionate ground. Some of them shared their experiences with ANI. Rifle Woman Sunita Thapa, who was recruited in place of her husband said that she had stepped into her husband`s shoes only to fulfil his dreams. Praising the support she is getting from her family, the mother of a five-year-old son said, "The entire family is proud of me and I am proud of the Assam Rifles".The soldier said that her husband died in an accident when he was on leave and she would try to fulfil all his dream as a soldier. She also said that she was managing both the role as a mother and a soldier with ease and support from her family. Another Rifle Woman Gayatri Sharma, who had joined the force one and half years ago, said that she was recruited in the force in place of her father who attained martyrdom in 2001. The soldier said that she lost her father, who too was an Assam Rifles Jawan when she was just three-years-old. "I got a letter from Assam Rifles to join the force. I will perform my duty with full dedication for my country just like my father," the Rifle Woman said. Speaking about being selected as part of the Republic Day Contingent that she was feeling honoured. The Contingent will be led by Major Khusboo Kanwar. It consists of 144 members excluding two officers and two officers. Terming the Contingent as special the officer said for the first time in the history a women Contingent of the paramilitary will be marching on the majestic Rajpath. She said the women soldiers of the force were no less than their men counterparts. They were successfully performing their duties in counterinsurgency in many areas of the North East.

All-women Assam Rifles Contingent to make history at Rajpath on Republic Day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/northeast-bandh-begins-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-188915">Agitators clashed with the police</a>, gheraoed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's house at his native place in Dibrugarh, blocked national highways and damaged vehicles in Assam during an 11-hour "bandh" called by the AASU to protest against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-bjp-in-assam-after-the-union-cabinet-approves-citizenship-amendment-bill-188833">The All Assam Students' Union (AASU)</a> activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh, prompting the security forces to resort to lathi-charge and fire rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.

Nobody was injured in the incident, the police said.

The AASU has called for a statewide "bandh" and it is being supported by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which withdrew support to the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday.

Opposition Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) are also supporting the bandh.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Normal life was hit in the Brahmaputra valley and was partially affected in the Barak valley due to a "north-east bandh" called separately by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students' bodies in the region, of which the AASU is a constituent.

The "bandh" called by the NESO on the same issue is being supported by over 100 organisations in Assam as well as in the other north-eastern states.

The agitators gheraoed Sonowal's house in his hometown, Dibrugarh, to register their protest against the bill. They raised slogans that the chief minister had no reason to continue on his post as he could not protect the interests of the people of the state.

The protesters blocked roads and national highways by burning tyres and smashed the windshields of trucks, cars, and autorickshaws at many places, including in Guwahati, the police said.

The picketers squatted on the railway tracks at various places in Guwahati and Dibrugarh district, but the movement of trains, including that of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and the Kolkata-bound Kamrup Express, resumed after the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel removed them from the tracks, railway sources said.

There was no movement of goods-laden trucks on all the national highways, following an economic blockade call issued by the KMSS, sources said.

Private and government vehicles plying on the national highways were being escorted by the police in convoys, they added.

Banners and posters at a BJP office were set ablaze in Golaghat, while a black flag was put up at another office of the saffron party in Lakhimpur district, the police said.

Shops, markets, banks, and other financial institutions kept their shutters down, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and private vehicles including long-distance buses kept off the roads in the Brahmaputra valley, the police and official sources said.

The attendance was thin in government offices as the employees faced difficulty in reaching the workplace in the absence of adequate public transport, the sources said.

The "bandh" also evoked a response in the Barak valley, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on January 4 that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament as soon as possible as a penance for past injustices.

Thirty ethnic organisations, besides 69 other groups along with the KMSS, have extended their support to the "bandh".

AASU and NESO chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya told reporters, "If Meghalaya and Mizoram can adopt a cabinet resolution opposing the bill, why can't Assam do the same?"

"The people of Assam, for the last 70 years since Independence, have been forced by the Centre to agitate for their rights, language, existence, culture, heritage and infrastructure."

Dipankar Nath, the president of AASU, which had led the six-year-long Assam Movement against illegal immigrants, said, "Despite wide opposition to it, the BJP government at the Centre has undemocratically imposed the bill on us as they want to win the (Lok Sabha) election by taking the votes of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants."

The "north-east bandh" called by the NESO is being enforced by its member organisations such as the Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), the Garo Students' Union (GSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and the Twipra Students' Federation (TSF).

The "bandh" has hit normal life in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, according to reports from these states.

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh.

Agitators clashed with the police, gheraoed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's house at his native place in Dibrugarh, blocked national highways and damaged vehicles in Assam during an 11-hour "bandh" called by the AASU to protest against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh, prompting the security forces to resort to lathi-charge and fire rubber bullets to disperse the protestors. Nobody was injured in the incident, the police said. The AASU has called for a statewide "bandh" and it is being supported by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which withdrew support to the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday. Opposition Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) are also supporting the bandh. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Normal life was hit in the Brahmaputra valley and was partially affected in the Barak valley due to a "north-east bandh" called separately by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students' bodies in the region, of which the AASU is a constituent. The "bandh" called by the NESO on the same issue is being supported by over 100 organisations in Assam as well as in the other north-eastern states. The agitators gheraoed Sonowal's house in his hometown, Dibrugarh, to register their protest against the bill. They raised slogans that the chief minister had no reason to continue on his post as he could not protect the interests of the people of the state. The protesters blocked roads and national highways by burning tyres and smashed the windshields of trucks, cars, and autorickshaws at many places, including in Guwahati, the police said. The picketers squatted on the railway tracks at various places in Guwahati and Dibrugarh district, but the movement of trains, including that of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and the Kolkata-bound Kamrup Express, resumed after the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel removed them from the tracks, railway sources said. There was no movement of goods-laden trucks on all the national highways, following an economic blockade call issued by the KMSS, sources said. Private and government vehicles plying on the national highways were being escorted by the police in convoys, they added. Banners and posters at a BJP office were set ablaze in Golaghat, while a black flag was put up at another office of the saffron party in Lakhimpur district, the police said. Shops, markets, banks, and other financial institutions kept their shutters down, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and private vehicles including long-distance buses kept off the roads in the Brahmaputra valley, the police and official sources said. The attendance was thin in government offices as the employees faced difficulty in reaching the workplace in the absence of adequate public transport, the sources said. The "bandh" also evoked a response in the Barak valley, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on January 4 that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament as soon as possible as a penance for past injustices. Thirty ethnic organisations, besides 69 other groups along with the KMSS, have extended their support to the "bandh". AASU and NESO chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya told reporters, "If Meghalaya and Mizoram can adopt a cabinet resolution opposing the bill, why can't Assam do the same?" "The people of Assam, for the last 70 years since Independence, have been forced by the Centre to agitate for their rights, language, existence, culture, heritage and infrastructure." Dipankar Nath, the president of AASU, which had led the six-year-long Assam Movement against illegal immigrants, said, "Despite wide opposition to it, the BJP government at the Centre has undemocratically imposed the bill on us as they want to win the (Lok Sabha) election by taking the votes of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants." The "north-east bandh" called by the NESO is being enforced by its member organisations such as the Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), the Garo Students' Union (GSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and the Twipra Students' Federation (TSF). The "bandh" has hit normal life in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, according to reports from these states.

Bandh against Citizenship Bill hits normal life in Assam, other NE states

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-bandh-against-citizenship-bill-evokes-widespread-response-173026">observe a "bandh" on Tuesday</a> in support of the call given by an influential students' union to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444">protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016.</a>

The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO).

The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

"Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday.

Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past".

MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday.

He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds.

In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population."

The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament.

Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

The 'bandh' has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to observe a "bandh" on Tuesday in support of the call given by an influential students' union to protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016. The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO). The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said. "Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday. Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past". MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday. He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds. In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population." The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

Students across North East support 'bandh' against Citizenship Amendment Bill

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

In a notification, the Home Ministry said the central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civilian power is necessary.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2018, for the purpose of that Act," the notification said.

A home ministry official said the decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as "disturbed area" has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going on in various parts of the state which necessitated the action for the convenience of the security forces operating there.

There have been demands from various organisations in the Northeast as well as in Jammu and Kashmir for repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to security forces.

The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades. It has not been withdrawn even after a framework agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and government interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared "disturbed area" for six more months, till June-end, under the controversial AFSPA, which empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice. In a notification, the Home Ministry said the central government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole of state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civilian power is necessary. "Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (No. 28 of 1958), the central government hereby declares that whole of the said state to be a 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from 30th December, 2018, for the purpose of that Act," the notification said. A home ministry official said the decision to continue the declaration of Nagaland as "disturbed area" has been taken as killings, loot and extortion have been going on in various parts of the state which necessitated the action for the convenience of the security forces operating there. There have been demands from various organisations in the Northeast as well as in Jammu and Kashmir for repealing the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which, they say, gives "sweeping powers" to security forces. The AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for several decades. It has not been withdrawn even after a framework agreement was signed on August 3, 2015 by Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and government interlocutor R N Ravi in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The framework agreement came after over 80 rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years with the first breakthrough in 1997 when the ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of insurgency in Nagaland.

Entire Nagaland declared 'disturbed' for six more months under AFSPA

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party&#39;s defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region.

Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress&#39;s poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people.

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The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. 
 
We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. 
 
My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party.
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/970577646869536768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government.

Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state.&nbsp;

Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail.

The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul also appreciated the hard work of party workers

Two days after results for assembly elections in Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland were declared on Saturday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Monday broke his silence on the party's defeat and said he respects the mandate of people in the region. Rahul appreciated the hard work of party workers who helped mount the Congress's poll campaign in the three states and said he is committed to winning back the trust of the North East people. The Congress party respects the mandate of the people of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya. We are committed to strengthening our party across the North East and to winning back the trust of the people. My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who toiled for the party. — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 5, 2018 × Despite emerging the largest single party in Meghalaya with 21 seats, Congress, where it was in power, could not garner the support of regional outfits to cobble together a coalition government. Meanwhile, NPP which became the single largest second party, received support from BJP and many other regional parties to form a non-Congress government in the state. Top party leaders Ahmed Patel and Kamal Nath rushed to Shillong to talk to regional parties but to no avail. The Congress also failed to score a single seat in Tripura and Nagaland.

Rahul Gandhi accepts defeat in NE, says Congress respects people's mandate

The Bhartiya Janata Party will celebrate its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-demolishes-left-citadel-in-tripura-certain-to-be-part-of-government-in-nagaland-34576" target="_blank">remarkable victory</a> in the Left bastion Tripura as Vijay Diwas on Sunday.

The celebrations are scheduled from 11 am to 1 pm.

BJP made a historic win in Tripura as they won twenty-eight seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-never-so-diminished-as-it-is-now-narendra-modi-34570" target="_blank">Congress never so diminished as it is now: Narendra Modi</a>

BJP and its ally IPFT demolished the 25 years of&nbsp;left government from the state.&nbsp;

In the last elections, BJP got one per cent votes in Tripura.&nbsp;

The party&nbsp;and its alliance also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-nagaland-victories-endorsement-of-modis-leadership-says-amit-shah-34557" target="_blank">emerged victorious in Nagaland</a>.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The celebrations are scheduled from 11 am to 1 pm

The Bhartiya Janata Party will celebrate its remarkable victory in the Left bastion Tripura as Vijay Diwas on Sunday. The celebrations are scheduled from 11 am to 1 pm. BJP made a historic win in Tripura as they won twenty-eight seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly. Also read: Congress never so diminished as it is now: Narendra Modi BJP and its ally IPFT demolished the 25 years of left government from the state. In the last elections, BJP got one per cent votes in Tripura. The party and its alliance also emerged victorious in Nagaland.

BJP to celebrate Vijay Diwas to mark its victory in North East

&nbsp;

After an impressive win in Tripura and Nagaland Assembly polls, prime minister Narendra Modi thanked people for reposing faith in the positive and development-oriented agenda of the NDA and added that people do not have time or respect for negative, disruptive and disconnected politics of any kind.

&nbsp;

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People of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura have spoken! 
 
I thank the people of these states for supporting the good governance agenda and &lsquo;Act East Policy&rsquo; of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> &amp; our valued allies. We remain committed to working towards fulfilling the dreams &amp; aspirations of the people.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/969878792754774016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;In a series of tweets on the outcome of assembly polls in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, he said the victory of the BJP in Tripura is not an ordinary electoral victory. 
&quot;This journey from Shunya&nbsp;to Shikhar&nbsp;(zero to top) has been made possible due to a solid development agenda and the strength of our organisation. I bow to every BJP karyakarta for working assiduously on the ground for years,&quot; the prime minister said.

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Thank you Nagaland for supporting <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Nagaland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Nagaland</a> and our valued ally. I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/969880265869807616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&#39;&#39;The victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one,&quot; he said and added &quot;It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has&nbsp;prevailed over fear.&quot;

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The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/969879780542722048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also said ,&nbsp;&quot;2018 Tripura election will be remembered as an epoch-making one! What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards @BJP4Tripura. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura.&#39;&#39;

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2018 Tripura election will be remembered as an epoch-making one! What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Tripura?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Tripura</a>. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/969879055007797248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He thanked the people of Nagaland for supporting BJP and its allies.&nbsp;&quot;I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit,&quot; he said.

He said the welfare of Meghalaya is of utmost importance for his government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The victory of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Tripura?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Tripura</a> is not an ordinary electoral victory. This journey from &lsquo;Shunya&rsquo; to &lsquo;Shikhar&rsquo; has been made possible due to a solid development agenda and the strength of our organisation. I bow to every BJP Karyakarta for working assiduously on the ground for years.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/969879384772395008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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BJP made a historic win in Tripura as they won twenty-eight seats with lead&nbsp;in seven seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly, while its ally Indigenous People&#39;s Front of Tripura has won seven seats and is ahead in one other.

BJP made a historic win in Tripura as they won twenty-eight seats while leading in seven seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly

After an impressive win in Tripura and Nagaland Assembly polls, prime minister Narendra Modi thanked people for reposing faith in the positive and development-oriented agenda of the NDA and added that people do not have time or respect for negative, disruptive and disconnected politics of any kind. People of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura have spoken! I thank the people of these states for supporting the good governance agenda and ‘Act East Policy’ of @BJP4India & our valued allies. We remain committed to working towards fulfilling the dreams & aspirations of the people. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018 × In a series of tweets on the outcome of assembly polls in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, he said the victory of the BJP in Tripura is not an ordinary electoral victory. "This journey from Shunya to Shikhar (zero to top) has been made possible due to a solid development agenda and the strength of our organisation. I bow to every BJP karyakarta for working assiduously on the ground for years," the prime minister said. Thank you Nagaland for supporting @BJP4Nagaland and our valued ally. I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018 × ''The victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one," he said and added "It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has prevailed over fear." The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018 × He also said , "2018 Tripura election will be remembered as an epoch-making one! What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards @BJP4Tripura. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura.'' 2018 Tripura election will be remembered as an epoch-making one! What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards @BJP4Tripura. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018 × He thanked the people of Nagaland for supporting BJP and its allies. "I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit," he said. He said the welfare of Meghalaya is of utmost importance for his government. The victory of @BJP4Tripura is not an ordinary electoral victory. This journey from ‘Shunya’ to ‘Shikhar’ has been made possible due to a solid development agenda and the strength of our organisation. I bow to every BJP Karyakarta for working assiduously on the ground for years. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018 × BJP made a historic win in Tripura as they won twenty-eight seats with lead in seven seats in the 60-member Tripura Assembly, while its ally Indigenous People's Front of Tripura has won seven seats and is ahead in one other.

Assembly polls: 'It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation,' says Modi

Whether one likes it or not, BJP has changed the political landscape of North East for good. Today it stands as a formidable force in NE despite initial handicap of ideology and weight of aggressive nationalism practiced in mainland by its brethren.

Despite limitations, BJP either captured power or increased its number and vote share in all the states which went for polls. The best example is that of Nagaland where BJP increased its vote share from 1.75 percent to 14.5 percent whereas Congress vote share which stood at 24.89 percent votes in 2013 dropped to 2.1 percent. Question did this happen? The answer is that the strategy of concentrating in Meghalaya did not work. The message even before the elections was out that Congress has conceded defeat in other two states.

Congress contested 18 seats in Nagaland and could not win a single seat. Same is the case with Tripura where its vote share fell from 36.53 percent to 1.8 percent. Even in Meghalaya where Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively, the vote share slipped from 34.78 percent to 29 percent. In all the three states BJP did exceptionally well. In Meghalaya, it did not taste electoral success but it&rsquo;s very numerical presence has added another layer to the fractured house of Meghalaya.

Barring, Meghalaya, Congress also did not run an effective campaign. In both these states Congress was not seen fighting the election. Despite large defection in Nagaland and large voter base in Tripura, the grand old party could not stich up a campaign. It was an admission of defeat before war.

Congress did not even have candidates in all 60 segments in Nagaland. In Tripura, the message went that its the B team of Left hence, anti-Left vote went to BJP. Tripura has happened despite West Bengal experience. The lesson has not been learnt.

Congress was seen as B team of the Left in WB. The party showed neither ideological character nor endurance to constantly challenge the Left. It is for this reason, people of West Bengal chose Mamata Banerji as an alternative to the Congress Party in West Bengal.

Similarly, the talk in NE within Congress was not about forming government but to keep BJP at bay. It is a wrong narrative. It is like anti Congress-ism of 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many regional parties came together to form governments in Delhi but the country never gave any of them a national mandate. The mandate went to BJP as it offered a different vision of religion and state in 1990s and governance in 2014.

What is required from the Congress is a vision document as to what does it stand for today? Congress today also stands at a juncture when the right based approach has already been monetised. In post-industrial society, especially in the semi urban and urban areas, right has mutated to a choice. The choice either comes in form of a face or in form of a political narrative.

From 2014, Congress has been reacting to BJP&rsquo;s narrative. It has not been able to set national agenda on which BJP has reacted for long. The election in NE may be about organization and money but electoral focus at expense of organization remains its biggest enemy.

It was not born to keep BJP out. It started with a different purpose and continued to adapt itself to the changing realities of India. The only way it can survive cogently as a national party is by building itself brick by brick. Today, it only remains a pan Indian party on paper. The short-term alliances with regional parties to prevent BJP from coming to power is leading to self -cannibalism.

Each time, Congress has had a truck with a regional party, its vote bank erodes. 2017 UP assembly result is the the best example of this erosion where Congress polled less votes than Apna Dal.

The more Congress indulges in such opportunism, harsher will be the future for its organization. Lastly, BJP is being elected by an independent electorate not outsiders.

Congress needs to come out with its Vision Document and mass contact programme. Piecemeal victories in Punjab or good fight like Gujarat will not be enough to be challenge BJP. For it, Congress will have to behave like an organizational alternative.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For Congress, anti BJP-ism like anti Congress-ism of 70s-80s will not work.

Whether one likes it or not, BJP has changed the political landscape of North East for good. Today it stands as a formidable force in NE despite initial handicap of ideology and weight of aggressive nationalism practiced in mainland by its brethren. Despite limitations, BJP either captured power or increased its number and vote share in all the states which went for polls. The best example is that of Nagaland where BJP increased its vote share from 1.75 percent to 14.5 percent whereas Congress vote share which stood at 24.89 percent votes in 2013 dropped to 2.1 percent. Question did this happen? The answer is that the strategy of concentrating in Meghalaya did not work. The message even before the elections was out that Congress has conceded defeat in other two states. Congress contested 18 seats in Nagaland and could not win a single seat. Same is the case with Tripura where its vote share fell from 36.53 percent to 1.8 percent. Even in Meghalaya where Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned extensively, the vote share slipped from 34.78 percent to 29 percent. In all the three states BJP did exceptionally well. In Meghalaya, it did not taste electoral success but it’s very numerical presence has added another layer to the fractured house of Meghalaya. Barring, Meghalaya, Congress also did not run an effective campaign. In both these states Congress was not seen fighting the election. Despite large defection in Nagaland and large voter base in Tripura, the grand old party could not stich up a campaign. It was an admission of defeat before war. Congress did not even have candidates in all 60 segments in Nagaland. In Tripura, the message went that its the B team of Left hence, anti-Left vote went to BJP. Tripura has happened despite West Bengal experience. The lesson has not been learnt. Congress was seen as B team of the Left in WB. The party showed neither ideological character nor endurance to constantly challenge the Left. It is for this reason, people of West Bengal chose Mamata Banerji as an alternative to the Congress Party in West Bengal. Similarly, the talk in NE within Congress was not about forming government but to keep BJP at bay. It is a wrong narrative. It is like anti Congress-ism of 60s, 70s, and 80s. Many regional parties came together to form governments in Delhi but the country never gave any of them a national mandate. The mandate went to BJP as it offered a different vision of religion and state in 1990s and governance in 2014. What is required from the Congress is a vision document as to what does it stand for today? Congress today also stands at a juncture when the right based approach has already been monetised. In post-industrial society, especially in the semi urban and urban areas, right has mutated to a choice. The choice either comes in form of a face or in form of a political narrative. From 2014, Congress has been reacting to BJP’s narrative. It has not been able to set national agenda on which BJP has reacted for long. The election in NE may be about organization and money but electoral focus at expense of organization remains its biggest enemy. It was not born to keep BJP out. It started with a different purpose and continued to adapt itself to the changing realities of India. The only way it can survive cogently as a national party is by building itself brick by brick. Today, it only remains a pan Indian party on paper. The short-term alliances with regional parties to prevent BJP from coming to power is leading to self -cannibalism. Each time, Congress has had a truck with a regional party, its vote bank erodes. 2017 UP assembly result is the the best example of this erosion where Congress polled less votes than Apna Dal. The more Congress indulges in such opportunism, harsher will be the future for its organization. Lastly, BJP is being elected by an independent electorate not outsiders. Congress needs to come out with its Vision Document and mass contact programme. Piecemeal victories in Punjab or good fight like Gujarat will not be enough to be challenge BJP. For it, Congress will have to behave like an organizational alternative. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Like it or not, BJP has captured North East

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has cited reports indicating that a radical outfit has been trying to expand its network in regions of Assam and Manipur.&nbsp;

He said some areas of the northeast are vulnerable to radicalisation and accessible to jihadist and terrorist&nbsp;activities from across the border.&nbsp;

He replied the answer to a written question.&nbsp;

He said that the security and intelligence agencies were aware of the threat of radicalisation in the area and were taking measures to counter it. He added that such radical activities were being closely monitored. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has cited reports indicating that a radical outfit has been trying to expand its network in regions of Assam and Manipur

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has cited reports indicating that a radical outfit has been trying to expand its network in regions of Assam and Manipur. He said some areas of the northeast are vulnerable to radicalisation and accessible to jihadist and terrorist activities from across the border. He replied the answer to a written question. He said that the security and intelligence agencies were aware of the threat of radicalisation in the area and were taking measures to counter it. He added that such radical activities were being closely monitored.

Areas of Assam-Manipur prone to radicalisation: Government

The hard work done by RSS in the civil society continues to pay dividends to BJP across the country. The best example of it is the marriage of civil society interests and political ambition in North East where RSS has been working from the 1970s.&nbsp;

It is because of this investment of time with civil society issues by RSS, that BJP has been able to build a political network in areas which is culturally and socially different to the ideological thinking of the RSS.&nbsp;

It is the confluence of social and cultural networking of RSS with BJP&rsquo;s political and electoral machine which explains the rise of BJP as an important party in the North East.

A similar investment was made by the Congress Party during the freedom struggle. The political action was only one part of the Congress activity, the party was involved in hundreds of other civil society issues. From nation building to character building, the Congress worked on a myriad of issues, almost crafting the mindset of the Indians. It is this mental world which has been challenged by the RSS-BJP combine in the last 50 years.

To understand the success, it is important to understand the work done by the RSS in North East. To start with Arunachal Pradesh, RSS runs Arunachal Vikas Parishad in Arunachal Pradesh which in other states is known as Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. It runs schools and maintains hostels for the students. There are thousands of RSS affiliated schools in the state alone.&nbsp;

The RSS runs National Integration programmes which allow students from the North East to stay with different families in different parts of India. Apart from the BJP, more than 4000 trained &lsquo;sevaks&rsquo; work in Arunachal Pradesh who run Shakhas and other programmes which works at the level of social but impact the political mood. Apart from it, affiliated organisations run Civil Service Orientation Services.

There are programmes dedicated to students who require engineering coaching. On top of it, new Yoga Centres have also come up which focus on individual character building. Additional to this is the massive network of Bal Bari schools. Though RSS insists that it has nothing to do with the BJP but the fact is that RSS, unquestionably, has laid the ground for BJP in the North East. Central to this social action are the faceless pracharaks who devote their lives to an ideology that also ends up shaping civil society sentiments on a number of political issues.

The special focus is imparting lessons on cultural nationalism (which is debatable) and national integration which provides an alternative discourse to the civil society.&nbsp;

Unlike Congress of the 50&rsquo;s and 60&rsquo;s which was then the sole repository of nationalism, the RSS-BJP combine has shifted the axis by claiming nationalism as its own domain. Today, they claim to be the sole repository of nationalism. It has allowed them to combine culturally and socially different voices into one, like pre-colonial Congress. Congress refashioned the dominant discourse of the nation into its own image. It started before independence but was institutionalised after independence.

&nbsp;Earlier, the RSS-BJP too wanted to refashion the discourse of nationalism into its own image but only succeeded in the last 25 years. It is this shift which is finding an imprint in our electoral history cutting across regions. It is this worldview, aided by rapid urbanisation and consolidation of a larger Indian national identity, that is emerging as the main opposition to highly volatile, violent, dominant and majoritarian global Islam.

RSS-BJP&rsquo;s intensive interaction with the civil society has also succeeded in underlining its role as the only party which unites and keep India united.&nbsp;

Assam result broke this very myth of geographical and ideological limitations of BJP. It made them local and national at the same time.

Such has been the impact of the effort that the issue of food habit has been kept aside in the North East, and prayer houses have been built for local communities who worship elements of nature in the state.

&nbsp;Despite having an acrimonious relationship with Christian Missionary establishment all across India, RSS has worked both ends in the North East. It has organised non-Christian communities in their cultural realm preventing conversions and also engaged the existing non-Hindu religious establishment by sharing political space with them.

The North East also remains one of the few states where the RSS ensured that most of the pracharaks have a local tribal background. Arun Anand, a scholar who has worked on the RSS says, &quot;RSS has helped BJP identify local issues. It is for this that BJP does not look alien to the people and senior leaders go a mile to accommodate local junior leaders.&rdquo;

Speaking to WION, Sunil Mohanty, the RSS in charge of Arunachal Pradesh said, &quot;What we are worried about is the dilution of the living boundary. Tribals living near the border are migrating to the district headquarter for lack of amenities which is not good. Living boundary is as important as the physical boundary.&rdquo;

Such has been the compulsion borne out of this interaction, that the BJP had to work out suitable state-related issues against various parties.

&nbsp;It created space in states, such as Tripura where Congress has not been able to unseat the Left for past 15 years. The BJP also hijacked the issue of illegal migration and consolidated votes in Assam on this issue, making minority votes irrelevant. For Congress to come back today, it cannot harp on the issue of alienism of BJP.&nbsp;

BJP has become as indigenous as Congress in the North East. RSS-BJP combine might rest on national integrity, focusing on local issues and threat which it faces from migrant populations which can change the local political axis.

Though Congress recently started a Professional Congress, it still needs people who can create a daily ritual of interaction between the worker, leader and civil society. It is through this interaction that social opinion in conjunction with political action translates into mass politics. Most of its departments are defunct today and have not functioned properly for years.

Various frontal organisations of the Congress have an episodic and politico-electoral relationship with the civil society where intimate bond with the organisation is missing. The absence of this bond further dilutes ideological underpinning of an individual. It should worry the Congress. It is for this reason that despite a massive anti-incumbency, BJP was able to retain Gujarat by a thin margin. At the end, personal bond infused with ideology does work.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

It is the confluence of social and cultural networking of RSS with BJP?s political and electoral machine which explains the rise of BJP as an important party in the North East.

The hard work done by RSS in the civil society continues to pay dividends to BJP across the country. The best example of it is the marriage of civil society interests and political ambition in North East where RSS has been working from the 1970s. It is because of this investment of time with civil society issues by RSS, that BJP has been able to build a political network in areas which is culturally and socially different to the ideological thinking of the RSS. It is the confluence of social and cultural networking of RSS with BJP’s political and electoral machine which explains the rise of BJP as an important party in the North East. A similar investment was made by the Congress Party during the freedom struggle. The political action was only one part of the Congress activity, the party was involved in hundreds of other civil society issues. From nation building to character building, the Congress worked on a myriad of issues, almost crafting the mindset of the Indians. It is this mental world which has been challenged by the RSS-BJP combine in the last 50 years. To understand the success, it is important to understand the work done by the RSS in North East. To start with Arunachal Pradesh, RSS runs Arunachal Vikas Parishad in Arunachal Pradesh which in other states is known as Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. It runs schools and maintains hostels for the students. There are thousands of RSS affiliated schools in the state alone. The RSS runs National Integration programmes which allow students from the North East to stay with different families in different parts of India. Apart from the BJP, more than 4000 trained ‘sevaks’ work in Arunachal Pradesh who run Shakhas and other programmes which works at the level of social but impact the political mood. Apart from it, affiliated organisations run Civil Service Orientation Services. There are programmes dedicated to students who require engineering coaching. On top of it, new Yoga Centres have also come up which focus on individual character building. Additional to this is the massive network of Bal Bari schools. Though RSS insists that it has nothing to do with the BJP but the fact is that RSS, unquestionably, has laid the ground for BJP in the North East. Central to this social action are the faceless pracharaks who devote their lives to an ideology that also ends up shaping civil society sentiments on a number of political issues. The special focus is imparting lessons on cultural nationalism (which is debatable) and national integration which provides an alternative discourse to the civil society. Unlike Congress of the 50’s and 60’s which was then the sole repository of nationalism, the RSS-BJP combine has shifted the axis by claiming nationalism as its own domain. Today, they claim to be the sole repository of nationalism. It has allowed them to combine culturally and socially different voices into one, like pre-colonial Congress. Congress refashioned the dominant discourse of the nation into its own image. It started before independence but was institutionalised after independence. Earlier, the RSS-BJP too wanted to refashion the discourse of nationalism into its own image but only succeeded in the last 25 years. It is this shift which is finding an imprint in our electoral history cutting across regions. It is this worldview, aided by rapid urbanisation and consolidation of a larger Indian national identity, that is emerging as the main opposition to highly volatile, violent, dominant and majoritarian global Islam. RSS-BJP’s intensive interaction with the civil society has also succeeded in underlining its role as the only party which unites and keep India united. Assam result broke this very myth of geographical and ideological limitations of BJP. It made them local and national at the same time. Such has been the impact of the effort that the issue of food habit has been kept aside in the North East, and prayer houses have been built for local communities who worship elements of nature in the state. Despite having an acrimonious relationship with Christian Missionary establishment all across India, RSS has worked both ends in the North East. It has organised non-Christian communities in their cultural realm preventing conversions and also engaged the existing non-Hindu religious establishment by sharing political space with them. The North East also remains one of the few states where the RSS ensured that most of the pracharaks have a local tribal background. Arun Anand, a scholar who has worked on the RSS says, "RSS has helped BJP identify local issues. It is for this that BJP does not look alien to the people and senior leaders go a mile to accommodate local junior leaders.” Speaking to WION, Sunil Mohanty, the RSS in charge of Arunachal Pradesh said, "What we are worried about is the dilution of the living boundary. Tribals living near the border are migrating to the district headquarter for lack of amenities which is not good. Living boundary is as important as the physical boundary.” Such has been the compulsion borne out of this interaction, that the BJP had to work out suitable state-related issues against various parties. It created space in states, such as Tripura where Congress has not been able to unseat the Left for past 15 years. The BJP also hijacked the issue of illegal migration and consolidated votes in Assam on this issue, making minority votes irrelevant. For Congress to come back today, it cannot harp on the issue of alienism of BJP. BJP has become as indigenous as Congress in the North East. RSS-BJP combine might rest on national integrity, focusing on local issues and threat which it faces from migrant populations which can change the local political axis. Though Congress recently started a Professional Congress, it still needs people who can create a daily ritual of interaction between the worker, leader and civil society. It is through this interaction that social opinion in conjunction with political action translates into mass politics. Most of its departments are defunct today and have not functioned properly for years. Various frontal organisations of the Congress have an episodic and politico-electoral relationship with the civil society where intimate bond with the organisation is missing. The absence of this bond further dilutes ideological underpinning of an individual. It should worry the Congress. It is for this reason that despite a massive anti-incumbency, BJP was able to retain Gujarat by a thin margin. At the end, personal bond infused with ideology does work. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: How RSS helped BJP to win India's North East

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced Rs 90,000 crore for improving roads and national highways in the Northeast.&nbsp;

Modi announced made the announcement after i<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-visits-mizoram-inaugurates-tuirial-hydroelectric-power-project-26889">naugurating a </a>couple of infrastructure projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram.&nbsp;

&quot;It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. &nbsp;My Government wants to do &#39;Transformation by Transportation&#39; through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region,&quot; PM Modi noted during his address.

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It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do &#39;Transformation by Transportation&#39; through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region: PM
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/941896222847021061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister also dedicated to the nation a 271-km two-lane national highway connecting Tura in western Meghalaya to the state capital Shillong.

The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore.

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We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map. The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore: PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/941896536954322944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&ldquo;Over the next 2-3 years, an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore is proposed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project (SARDP) in the Northeast and an investment of Rs 30,000 crore under Bharatmala is proposed for development of national highways in northeastern states,&rdquo; PM Modi noted while addressing a rally.

(With inputs from PTI)

The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced Rs 90,000 crore for improving roads and national highways in the Northeast. Modi announced made the announcement after inaugurating a couple of infrastructure projects in Meghalaya and Mizoram. "It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do 'Transformation by Transportation' through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region," PM Modi noted during his address. It is said that the lack of connectivity is one of the biggest hurdles in the path of development of the North Eastern Region. My Government wants to do 'Transformation by Transportation' through investment in infrastructure to change the face of the North Eastern Region: PM — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2017 × The prime minister also dedicated to the nation a 271-km two-lane national highway connecting Tura in western Meghalaya to the state capital Shillong. The central government is reported to have sanctioned around 4,000-km of national highway (NH) across the Northeast at a cost of Rs 32,000 crore. We are committed to bring all the State Capitals of North East Region on the Rail map. The Government of India is executing 15 New Rail Line projects of 1385 kilometers length, at a cost of over Rs.47,000 crore: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 16, 2017 × “Over the next 2-3 years, an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore is proposed under the Special Accelerated Road Development Project (SARDP) in the Northeast and an investment of Rs 30,000 crore under Bharatmala is proposed for development of national highways in northeastern states,” PM Modi noted while addressing a rally. (With inputs from PTI)

PM Modi announces Rs 90,000 crore for roads, highways projects for northeast

An elderly woman from Meghalaya wearing a traditional Khasi dress was allegedly asked to leave the Delhi Golf Club even as she was having lunch with a member on Sunday.

The woman, Tailin Lyngdoh, works as a governess for Dr Nivedita Barthakur Sondhi who is a member of the club and an honorary health advisor to the Assam government.

Dr Nivedita Barthakur Sondhi had invited around eight guests for lunch on Sunday, Tailin Lyngdoh was wearing the traditional jainsem&nbsp;Khasi dress when a few minutes into the lunch meeting the manager of the club asked Lyngdoh to leave the table and the room.

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&quot;The club staff asked her to leave, they said she looked like a maid and a Nepali,&quot; Nivedita Barthakur told ANI.

Tailin&nbsp;Lyngdoh who was asked to leave the room while she was having lunch with Nivedita Barthakur&nbsp;and her guests, said:&quot;Delhi Golf Club objected to my attire and asked me to leave. I was wearing a Khasi dress.&quot;

In a statement to ANI, the Delhi Golf Club said, &quot;Unfortunate an undesirable attempt is being made to give the incident political and cultural overtones. Explanation from the staff was sought and disciplinary action is in process.&quot;

&quot;Apology has been made to the member who had brought the guest. It&nbsp;has been unconditionally accepted,&quot;&nbsp;Delhi Golf Club added.

&quot;The incident could have been handled in a better way by the staff, the guests were not asked to leave,&quot; the club said.

Dr Nivedita Barthakur in her Facebook post wrote:

&quot;An extremely proud, Khasi lady who has travelled the world in her Jenseim from London to UAE was thrown out of the Delhi Golf Club because her dress was taken for a maid&#39;s uniform!

Despite she being invited in her own right as a guest of a member. She was humiliated and the two gatekeepers of haute culture of Delhi, one Ms Sumita Thakur and Mr Ajit Pal, did not even have the grace to apologise. The room was full of Delhi elites who make their maid&#39;s and nannies wait outside in the heat lest they pollute their surroundings, and I bet many of them were civil servants and keepers of the Indian constitution. 

It was so appalling at many levels: that a citizen of India is judged on her dress and treated as a pariah; that in this day and age human rights of so many citizens can be trampled on just because he /she earns an honest living as a help.&quot;

The post soon went viral on the net with netizens attacking the&nbsp;&quot;elite class Delhiites&quot;.&nbsp;

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Forget Delhi Golf Club, almost all Golf clubs in India have a dress code. Even dhoti kurta and lungi is an Indian dress but not allowed.
&mdash; Gautam Trivedi (@Gotham3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gotham3/status/879552260820287488">June 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In yet another case of discrimination against our Northeastern brothers and sisters, a woman- a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Khasi?src=hash">#Khasi</a> lady was... <a href="https://t.co/gJYfW1NGJb">https://t.co/gJYfW1NGJb</a>
&mdash; Shweta Raj Kanwar (@shwetarajkanwar) <a href="https://twitter.com/shwetarajkanwar/status/879266140370997248">June 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tailin Lyngdoh, works as a governess for Dr Nivedita Barthakur Sondhi, was asked to leave the club by the Delhi Golf Club manager

An elderly woman from Meghalaya wearing a traditional Khasi dress was allegedly asked to leave the Delhi Golf Club even as she was having lunch with a member on Sunday. The woman, Tailin Lyngdoh, works as a governess for Dr Nivedita Barthakur Sondhi who is a member of the club and an honorary health advisor to the Assam government. Dr Nivedita Barthakur Sondhi had invited around eight guests for lunch on Sunday, Tailin Lyngdoh was wearing the traditional jainsem Khasi dress when a few minutes into the lunch meeting the manager of the club asked Lyngdoh to leave the table and the room. × "The club staff asked her to leave, they said she looked like a maid and a Nepali," Nivedita Barthakur told ANI. Tailin Lyngdoh who was asked to leave the room while she was having lunch with Nivedita Barthakur and her guests, said:"Delhi Golf Club objected to my attire and asked me to leave. I was wearing a Khasi dress." In a statement to ANI, the Delhi Golf Club said, "Unfortunate an undesirable attempt is being made to give the incident political and cultural overtones. Explanation from the staff was sought and disciplinary action is in process." "Apology has been made to the member who had brought the guest. It has been unconditionally accepted," Delhi Golf Club added. "The incident could have been handled in a better way by the staff, the guests were not asked to leave," the club said. Dr Nivedita Barthakur in her Facebook post wrote: "An extremely proud, Khasi lady who has travelled the world in her Jenseim from London to UAE was thrown out of the Delhi Golf Club because her dress was taken for a maid's uniform! Despite she being invited in her own right as a guest of a member. She was humiliated and the two gatekeepers of haute culture of Delhi, one Ms Sumita Thakur and Mr Ajit Pal, did not even have the grace to apologise. The room was full of Delhi elites who make their maid's and nannies wait outside in the heat lest they pollute their surroundings, and I bet many of them were civil servants and keepers of the Indian constitution. It was so appalling at many levels: that a citizen of India is judged on her dress and treated as a pariah; that in this day and age human rights of so many citizens can be trampled on just because he /she earns an honest living as a help." The post soon went viral on the net with netizens attacking the "elite class Delhiites". Forget Delhi Golf Club, almost all Golf clubs in India have a dress code. Even dhoti kurta and lungi is an Indian dress but not allowed. — Gautam Trivedi (@Gotham3) June 27, 2017 × In yet another case of discrimination against our Northeastern brothers and sisters, a woman- a #Khasi lady was... https://t.co/gJYfW1NGJb — Shweta Raj Kanwar (@shwetarajkanwar) June 26, 2017 ×

Delhi Golf Club asks Khasi woman in traditional attire to leave, apologises after blowback

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