HEADLINES
- Five candidates are in fray for upcoming bye-election to Dampa assembly constituency in Mizoram.
- Peace committee meeting held to address recent clashes at Lapangap in Meghalaya and Tahpat in Assam’s Karbi Anglong with both parties committing to uphold peace, and allow farmers to harvest their paddy.
- Naga People’s Front approves merger of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party during General Convention in Kohima and elects new team of office bearers for 2025-2030.
- Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu interacts with Board of Director & Acting Secretary General of JP-MIRAI, Kenichi Shishido at headquarters of Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Japan.
- North Eastern States observe Police Commemoration Day to honour supreme sacrifices of police personnel who laid down their lives in line of duty.
- Nagaland University researchers identify naturally-occurring plant compound called ‘Sinapic acid’ as powerful therapeutic agent capable of significantly accelerating wound healing in diabetic conditions.
- Iran defeat India 2-0 in opening match of women’s tri-nation international friendly football tournament at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
NEWS IN DETAIL
BYPOLL
In Mizoram, five candidates are in the fray for the upcoming bye-election to Dampa assembly constituency in North Western Mamit district bordering Bangladesh as the filing of nominations ended yesterday at 3pm. People’s Conference candidate, K. Zahmingthanga filed his nomination yesterday to be the fifth nominee for the bypoll to be held on November 11. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted today and the last day for withdrawal of candidature is on Friday. The Zoram People’s Movement candidate, Vanlalsailova, candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Lalhmingthanga Sailo, Indian National Congress nominee, John Rotluangliana and Mizo National Front candidate, Dr. R. Lalthangliana have filed their nominations last week. The bye-election is necessitated following the demise of sitting legislator, Lalrintluanga Sailo of the MNF on July 21. A total of 20,790 voters – 10,605 male and 10,185 female will decide the fates of these five candidates. Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer, Dr. Lalrozama said preparations for the upcoming Dampa bye-election are being undertaken smoothly sans violation of election model code of conduct or complaints of violation. Out of 41 polling stations in the Dampa assembly constituency, 3 polling stations locating near the international border are identified as critical polling stations. Three sections of the central armed police force will be deployed to ensure free and fair elections in the polling stations.
TALKS
A peace committee meeting was held yesterday to address the recent clashes at Lapangap in Meghalaya and Tahpat in Assam’s Karbi Anglong. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both parties committing to uphold peace, ensure accountability and prevent any further conflicts along the border of both the states. It was also decided that farmers from Lapangap village will resume the harvest of paddy which marked a significant return of normalcy in the area. The development came after the invention of Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma and CEM of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and traditional leaders. West Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Jagpal Singh Dhanao, announced that police presence will be maintained in the area to provide security and prevent any outsiders from disrupting the peace. The police administration also appreciated the patience and restraint shown by the residents of Lapangap and is working to ensure a safe and secure harvest.
NPF
In Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front has approved the merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party during the General Convention held in Kohima yesterday. The Convention also unanimously elected a new team of Central Office Bearers, the Central Executive Council, and office bearers of the Frontals and Cells for the 2025-2030 tenure. The new team is led by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio as President of the NPF. The convention resolved to continue strengthening the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance in Nagaland, and remain a contributing member of the National Democratic Alliance and the North East Democratic Alliance. The convention also reiterated the need for an early settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue, and urged the Government of India and Naga political groups to expedite the negotiation process and arrive at a solution that is honourable, acceptable, and inclusive.
KHANDU-JAPAN
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu yesterday interacted with the Board of Director & Acting Secretary General of JP-MIRAI, Kenichi Shishido at the headquarters of Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Japan. In a social media post, Khandu said, it was insightful to learn how JP-MIRAI is playing a pivotal role in bridging the gaps in human resource coordination and promoting a responsible and inclusive ecosystem for migrant workers in Japan. The Chief Minister later visited Sophia University and had an interaction with the President of the University, Prof. Miki Sugimura and Chancellor, Sali Augustine SJ along with the delegation and representatives from the Indian Embassy. Additionally, he had a brief tour of the Mechanical Engineering Department laboratory at Sophia University and interacted with the students.
ZUBEEN
Assam Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma yesterday announced that justice for Zubeen Garg is a certainty. Taking part in a meeting in the premises of Kuweri Lakshmi Mandir in Baksa district, he presented 2 lakh rupee cheques to two persons who were injured in the recent untoward incident infront of Nikashi jail. He also ruled out all laxity in the probe into the incident.
COMMEMORATION
Joining the rest of the nation, Police Commemoration Day was observed at Police Headquarters of different states in the North East yesterday to honour the supreme sacrifices of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. Rich tributes were paid to all policemen across the country who made the ultimate sacrifice while safeguarding the integrity and security of the nation. Atleast 186 policemen across India have sacrificed their lives this year while on duty, and the day serves as a solemn reminder of their selfless dedication. Governors, police officers and other dignitaries expressed their appreciation for the tireless efforts of all personnel and urged them to renew their pledge to serve the people, secure the integrity of the nation, and make the supreme sacrifice when called upon.
TAI KHAMTI SCRIPT
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein yesterday interacted with the teacher trainees of the Tai Khamti Revised Script and Pali Literature programme at Golden Pagoda in Namsai district. In a social media post, he informed that after the trainees complete their 30-days workshop, they will be assigned to teach new Tai Khamti Script at the pre-primary level at schools and Buddha Viharas across Namsai after the final evaluations and certification. Mein also extended his appreciation to the Tai Khamti Heritage & Literature Society and the Tai Khamti Literature Board for imparting the much-needed training to the trainees on Tai Khamti Script.
RESEARCHERS
Nagaland University researchers have identified a naturally-occurring plant compound called ‘Sinapic acid’ as a powerful therapeutic agent capable of significantly accelerating wound healing in diabetic conditions. The discovery marks a major advancement that could result in safe, natural, and effective treatments for diabetic wound management. This is the first study globally to demonstrate that Sinapic acid, when administered orally, can accelerate diabetic wound healing in preclinical models.
NINGOL
In Manipur, crowds thronged the Imphal market ahead of the Ningol Chakouba festival. After months of unrest, locals expressed hope that normalcy is gradually returning to the state. Vendors said that sales have improved as people are out shopping for the festivities. Ningol Chakouba, a major Manipuri festival, is marked by a grand feast that strengthens family bonds, especially between married women, known as “ningol” and their parental families.
DANCE
A district-level folk dance competition was organized at Kailashahar in Tripura by the School Education Department of Unakoti district yesterday. Under the National Population Education Project of the Central government, the programme was held in the campus of Radhakishore Institution, Kailashahar, and was inaugurated by the Chairperson of Kailashahar Municipal Council. The competition aimed to raise awareness about population issues and encourage students to become responsible citizens. Unakoti District Education Officer Prashanta Kilikdar and Headmaster of Radhakishore Institution Nitish Biswas also addressed the event.
TRI-NATION FOOTBALL
In Meghalaya, the women’s tri-nation international friendly football tournament kicked off yesterday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, with Iran defeating India 2-0 in the opening match. Iran’s Sara Didar broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute as she scored with a stellar overhead acrobatic kick. Ten minutes 10 later, Sara doubled the lead to seal victory for the visitors. Meanwhile Iran will take on Nepal on Friday, while India will wrap up the FIFA window against Nepal on October 27. The event marked another proud moment for Meghalaya as Shillong has emerged as one of India’s most preferred venue for hosting major football events.