Manipur CM Leads Peace Outreach Visit to Jiribam
In a significant peace outreach initiative, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Jiribam today to engage with local stakeholders and promote reconciliation following recent ethnic tensions in the region. During the visit, he held meetings with leaders from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities, focusing on restoring trust, strengthening dialogue, and encouraging cooperation. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among communities to ensure long-term stability.
He also reviewed local development needs and discussed measures to unlock Jiribam’s economic potential through infrastructure support, livelihood programs, and improved connectivity. Community representatives shared their concerns and suggestions, calling for sustained government engagement and security assurances. The visit is seen as an important confidence-building step aimed at reducing tensions and fostering inclusive growth. Officials described the outreach as part of a broader roadmap to promote peace, rehabilitation, and balanced regional development.
Supreme Court Clears Assam Forest Evictions, Panel to Oversee Process
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has permitted the Assam government to proceed with eviction drives in reserved forest areas, paving the way for renewed action against alleged encroachments. The decision is being viewed as a major legal backing for the state’s conservation and land protection efforts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the verdict, stating that it supports lawful measures to safeguard forest land and ecological balance.
According to state authorities, a special committee will be constituted to oversee the eviction process and ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal and humanitarian norms. Officials said the panel will monitor ground-level implementation and address grievances, if any. The move aims to balance environmental protection with due process, while maintaining law and order during operations. The ruling is expected to significantly influence future land and forest governance in the state.
Security Tightened Along Meghalaya–Bangladesh Border Ahead of Polls
Security has been significantly intensified along the Meghalaya–Bangladesh border ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for February 12. Authorities have stepped up vigilance to prevent cross-border disturbances and illegal movement during the sensitive period. The Border Security Force (BSF), along with state police and other agencies, has increased patrols, surveillance, and checkpoint inspections across vulnerable stretches.
Officials said several polling centres located across the border have been marked as risk-prone, prompting enhanced coordination between security units and intelligence agencies. Night patrols and area domination exercises have also been expanded to maintain stability and preparedness. Border outposts have been placed on heightened alert, with quick-response teams kept ready for any contingency. The measures are aimed at ensuring border security, preventing infiltration, and maintaining peace in adjoining Indian areas while Bangladesh carries out its electoral process.
Mizoram Signs ₹800 Crore ADB Loan Pact to Strengthen Healthcare
The Mizoram government today signed a major ₹800 crore loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen universal healthcare across the state. The funding aims to significantly upgrade medical infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery in all districts. Officials said the project will support modernization of hospitals, expansion of primary health facilities, and better access to essential services, especially in remote and rural areas.
The initiative also focuses on capacity building, digital health systems, and improved disease management to ensure more efficient and inclusive care. State authorities described the agreement as a major step toward achieving equitable and affordable healthcare for all citizens. With ADB’s financial and technical support, Mizoram plans to enhance service quality, reduce treatment gaps, and build a more resilient public health network to meet current and future needs.
