CM Highlights Peace and Stability

Addressing a public meeting near Agartala, CM Saha said Tripura has witnessed a return to peace in recent years. According to him, stability has created opportunities for growth in tribal areas. He added that peace remains the foundation for progress and employment.

Moreover, the Chief Minister said the BJP government has worked to ensure safety in remote regions. As a result, development projects are moving faster than before.

Focus on Development Works

CM Saha stated that the government has prioritised infrastructure in TTAADC areas. These include roads, schools, healthcare centres, and drinking water facilities. He also said welfare schemes are reaching tribal households without discrimination.

Further, he noted that central schemes have strengthened education and healthcare access. Therefore, continued BJP leadership would help complete ongoing projects on time.

Attack on Opposition

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister criticised opposition parties for what he called years of neglect. He said earlier governments failed to bring lasting change to tribal areas. However, he claimed the BJP believes in inclusive development.

He also accused opposition leaders of misleading voters during elections. In contrast, he said the BJP focuses on governance and delivery.

Importance of TTAADC Polls

The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council governs nearly two-thirds of the state’s area. Hence, the elections are politically significant. Campaigning is intensifying as polling day approaches.

Concluding his address, CM Saha urged voters to participate actively. He said the Tripura tribal council elections would decide the future of tribal youth and regional development.

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According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake struck at 4:17 a.m. IST on January 5, 2026. The tremors measured 5.1 on the Richter scale. Authorities confirmed the epicenter near Morigaon, Assam, at a depth of roughly 50 kilometers. Its coordinates were 26.37°N latitude and 92.29°E longitude.

Residents reported brief but intense shaking across the region. Despite the sudden quake, officials confirmed there have been no casualties or major property damage so far. Local administration teams continue monitoring the situation and collecting updates from vulnerable areas.

Experts advise people to remain cautious and follow safety protocols if tremors continue. The early morning quake has reminded the region of its seismic vulnerability. Residents have been urged to stay alert and avoid crowded structures until the authorities give an all-clear.

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The raids were conducted on November 22, 24 and 26, led by DVC members with support from youth and business organisations, under the supervision of the Goanburas. During these coordinated operations, the teams cracked down on vendors accused of repeatedly violating the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.

The seized liquor was publicly destroyed on Friday at 2½ Mile, Dimapur, in the presence of officials from the district administration, reinforcing the council’s zero-tolerance stance.

DVC chairman Ato Bizo said the council had issued notices two months ago, warning residents against selling liquor and advising homeowners not to shelter individuals involved in illicit trade. Despite the warnings, illegal sales continued, prompting the council to intervene.

Bizo criticised the state government, especially the Excise Department and police, for what he called a failure to enforce the NLTP Act. “The council was compelled to step in when enforcement agencies did not carry out their responsibilities,” he stated.

The crackdown comes at a critical moment, as the debate over lifting the prohibition law grows louder. The Naga Council Dimapur and the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation have recently questioned whether the NLTP Act has achieved its objectives or merely shifted liquor sales underground.

With Darogapathar’s bold action igniting fresh scrutiny of enforcement lapses, the prohibition debate in Nagaland appears poised to intensify in the coming weeks.

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According to the ED, financial scrutiny revealed a sophisticated supply chain linking Mizoram-based operatives to Gujarat firms, including Krishiv Enterprises, which allegedly supplied pseudoephedrine tablets and caffeine anhydrous valued at ₹4.54 crore in 2024–25. These chemicals—key precursors for methamphetamine—were allegedly routed to entities linked to Henry Lalbiakzinga, Laltluangzela, and Benjamin Lalawmpuai.

Investigators found that habitual offenders, including Abu Saleh Saif Uddin from Assam and Mizoram residents Zodinthara and Lalrampari, facilitated smuggling operations and hawala transactions. The ED also detected ties between Mizoram firms and Kolkata-based shell companies such as Mahasin Tradecom, managed by a suspect named Mohd. Zafar.

The probe uncovered a deeper cross-border nexus, where Myanmar nationals reportedly misused Indian GST identities to purchase chemical precursors. These substances were transported to Myanmar through the porous border and converted into methamphetamine tablets before being smuggled back into India, mainly through Mizoram.

ED officials reported suspicious financial activity, including ₹11 crore in credits in accounts linked to Abu Saleh and ₹52.8 crore in accounts connected to hawala operator Lalrampari. During the raids, officials seized ₹46.7 lakh in cash, along with digital records and documents. Twenty-one bank accounts suspected of holding proceeds of crime have been frozen under Section 17(1A) of PMLA.

The investigation is ongoing and is expected to uncover more links in the interstate and cross-border narcotics network.

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CESJ treasurer Saizampuii Sailo said the extension toward Hmawngbuchhuah, located near the Myanmar border in Lawngtlai district, threatens to damage vital river systems and further strain the state’s delicate environment. She cautioned that the region is already witnessing shrinking water sources, and large construction activities could accelerate an impending water crisis.

Sailo also highlighted socio-demographic concerns, arguing that railway access may lead to an influx of outsiders, citing examples from other northeastern states. “Nagaland refused to extend its railway line deeper into the state after the Dimapur route triggered migration. Meghalaya, too, opposed a similar project due to fears of demographic imbalance,” she noted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sairang–Bairabi railway line in September, connecting Mizoram with the national rail network for the first time. The project, considered one of the toughest undertaken by Indian Railways, links Aizawl with the rest of the country via Silchar in Assam. Since its launch, the state has recorded a rise in tourist arrivals.

However, CESJ maintains that the next phase of railway expansion must be reconsidered. The organisation pledged to oppose the plan “till the end,” urging policymakers to prioritise sustainability over large-scale development. They emphasised that safeguarding Mizoram’s environment is critical to ensuring long-term water security and ecological balance.

The post Mizoram Railway Extension Opposition: Environmental Group Raises Ecological Alarm appeared first on India Podcast.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the state-level Orange Festival, Nath said the 21st instalment of PM-Kisan had recently been transferred to eligible beneficiaries. He noted that consistent support from the Centre has helped strengthen rural income and boost agricultural growth across Tripura.

The minister emphasized that agriculture forms the backbone of Tripura’s economy, contributing 46% of the state’s total revenue. Tourism and business sectors together contribute 41%, while industries account for the remaining 13%. He added that improving agricultural sustainability remains a top priority for the state government.

Highlighting Tripura’s agricultural achievements, Nath said farmers are now producing high-quality oranges, citrus fruits, onions, and Apical Root Cutting (ARC) varieties of potato. Orange cultivation, in particular, has expanded across several districts, improving both production and farmers’ income.

Nath further stated that Tripura has made remarkable progress in national rankings, surpassing 17 other states in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) performance. This achievement has also earned praise from NITI Aayog, reinforcing the state’s reputation as an emerging agricultural success story in the Northeast.

Officials at the event expressed confidence that continued PM-Kisan support, along with state-led farming initiatives, will help enhance productivity and secure better economic stability for Tripura’s farmers in the coming years.

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On November 26, teams in Imphal East detained three members from their homes. The arrested individuals include Md. Ayub Khan alias Thoiba (28), originally from Hiyangthang Tarahei Konjil and currently living near Public Hospital, Hatta; Md. Salim (35) of Kairang Mamang Leikai; and Md. Ali (46) from the Hatta area.
Officials said the trio extorted money from the public, petrol pump operators, private schools, and government colleges. Security personnel also seized a KCP (PWG) receipt and two mobile phones from them.

Meanwhile, on November 27, another team in Imphal West picked up an active cadre identified as Khulem Robindro Singh (36) of Luker Mayai Leikai. Officers arrested him at his home for recruiting local youths for the banned outfit. They also recovered his Aadhaar card during the operation.

Additionally, on the same day, forces in Imphal East detained one more active member. The arrested man, Yumnam Chandra Singh alias Baby (42) of Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai, carried two No. 36 high-explosive grenades, a mobile phone, and an Aadhaar card. Officers seized all items.

Officials further noted that investigators are now tracing the wider network behind the group. They aim to dismantle the outfit’s recruitment and extortion chain across Manipur.

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Until now, travellers needed to visit physical counters to secure their permits. This often led to long queues, delays, and repeated document checks. However, the state’s new system will change this experience completely. Tourists will soon be able to apply online, upload documents, and track approval status from any device.

Once approved, visitors will receive a QR-coded digital permit directly on their mobile phones. Security and police personnel posted at checkpoints will scan the code for instant verification. As a result, waiting time is expected to reduce significantly. The government believes this will streamline movement to sensitive zones like Nathu La, Tsomgo Lake, Gurudongmar Lake, and other protected stretches near the India–China border.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Sikkim’s efforts to promote tourism while improving security protocols. The digital system will also help authorities maintain accurate records of tourist flow. Additionally, it will reduce paperwork and improve coordination between tourism, police, and district administration teams.

Moreover, the online process will ensure that visitors face fewer hassles during peak travel months. Local tour operators have welcomed the move, stating that digital permits will bring transparency and boost traveller confidence.

Sikkim plans to roll out the system soon after final software integration and testing. The government is confident that this digital shift will create a smoother and safer travel experience for all visitors exploring the Himalayan border regions.

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According to local reports, the river’s clarity began deteriorating over the past week. The Meghalaya Water Resources Department and environmental experts have launched an inquiry to identify the cause. Preliminary observations suggest that excessive rainfall, soil erosion, and upstream earth-cutting activities may have contributed to the sudden influx of silt, turning the usually transparent river brownish and opaque.

However, activists argue that unchecked construction, sand mining, and deforestation near the riverbanks have weakened the ecosystem over time. They say these long-term issues have made the river more vulnerable to turbidity during weather changes. Locals in Dawki and Shnongpdeng, two major tourist hubs along the Umngot, expressed concern that the river’s declining water quality could severely affect the region’s livelihood, which depends heavily on tourism.

Tour operators have already reported a drop in bookings, as visitors travel to the area specifically to witness the river’s famed clarity. Officials from Meghalaya’s Tourism and Water Resources Departments have assured that the situation is being monitored and remedial measures will be taken once the source of pollution is confirmed.

Environmental groups emphasize that restoring the Umngot River’s pristine condition will require stricter regulation of construction, sustainable tourism practices, and afforestation along the riverbanks. For Meghalaya, the river is not just a natural attraction—it is a cultural symbol and a vital economic resource.

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According to officials, coordinated teams from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, Narcotics Control Bureau and Manipur Police carried out the destruction of poppy fields in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Senapati districts. The forces also demolished nearly 100 makeshift huts and burnt fertilisers, herbicides, salt sacks and irrigation tools used in the illegal cultivation.

Police estimate that at least 486 acres of the destroyed fields could have yielded around 4,600 kg of opium, worth several hundred crores. Despite the crackdown, an aerial survey on November 24 detected over 700 new acres of poppy plantations in the Kangpokpi region, particularly near Makhan Village in the Kanglatongbi Reserved Forest.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who shared aerial visuals of the plantations on X, said the expansion of illegal poppy farming is causing severe environmental damage and threatens cultural heritage sites such as Mount Koubru. He emphasised the need for continuous and intensified operations, warning that large stretches of forest have already degraded into barren land.

A Defence spokesperson said the operations were conducted under harsh terrain and adverse weather, underscoring the unwavering resolve of security forces to dismantle narcotics networks that fuel insurgency and destabilise the region.

Officials confirmed that the campaign will continue under the state’s “War Against Drugs” initiative, which has already reduced the total area of identified poppy fields in recent years.

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