Secure GI Tag for Assamese Traditional Crafts and Iconic Jewellery.

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Assam’s traditional jewellery has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a monumental step in recognizing the state’s rich cultural heritage. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed pride over this achievement, recalling its proposal during the 2018-19 budget to safeguard artisans’ interests. The GI tag ensures the authenticity of Assamese jewellery, prevents imitation, and strengthens artisans’ market identity, boosting the local economy. Besides jewellery, 19 other traditional crafts of Assam, such as Bihu Dhol, Jaapi, and Sarthebari Metal Craft, also received GI status in April 2024. This initiative highlights the efforts to conserve and promote Assam’s exceptional craftsmanship.

Three young people in Morigaon are killed in a tragic road accident.

A tragic road accident in Morigaon on Tuesday night claimed the lives of three young men from Morimushlim village. The incident occurred on the Morigaon-Nagaon connecting road when an unidentified vehicle, suspected to be a Bolero pickup truck, collided with their motorcycle and fled the scene. Two of the victims, Dipmoni and Sabid, died on the spot, while Sajidul succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to a private hospital due to the unavailability of ICU facilities at GMCH. The accident has left their families and the entire village in mourning. Authorities have launched an inquiry to trace the fleeing vehicle as concerns over road safety in the area grow.

Authorities Capture Two Bangladeshi Intruders in Sribhumi and Deport Them.

In a significant border security operation, two Bangladeshi nationals, Arif Rahman and Md Shahid, were apprehended while attempting to illegally enter India via Assam’s Sribhumi district. The successful interception, praised by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, highlights the region’s strengthened border vigilance. Following their detention, the suspects were swiftly repatriated to Bangladesh. This operation follows a similar incident in March, reinforcing the state’s commitment to tackling illegal immigration and safeguarding its borders.

The Central Government has prolonged the enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Meluri District for an additional six months.

The Union Government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) to Nagaland’s Meluri district for six months, citing security concerns in the region. This move follows a recent extension of AFSPA to several other districts in Nagaland, further expanding its scope. Meluri, formed in November 2024 from Phek district, is now designated as a ‘disturbed area,’ a classification that enables military forces to exercise sweeping powers, including house searches, arrests, and the use of force in self-defense. Critics have long contended that AFSPA’s provisions compromise human rights, granting immunity to security forces. The extension of AFSPA is part of a broader strategy to address ongoing unrest in Northeast India, with similar measures applied in other states like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Assam government would give class 10 students Rs. 300 per month for six months.

“The Assam Government has introduced a financial assistance scheme for Class 10 students from economically weaker sections, offering ₹300 per month for six months to support tuition and enhance academic performance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this initiative on April 1, as part of the launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan,’ a major women entrepreneurship program aimed at benefiting 30 lakh women across the state. The scheme is designed to help students from poor families excel in their exams by providing financial aid for tuitions.”

The Governor of Nagaland opens the International University’s Central Library in Dimapur.

“Nagaland Governor La Ganesan inaugurated the Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Central Library at the International University in Dimapur, coinciding with the 136th birth anniversary of RSS founder Hedgewar. During the ceremony, Ganesan highlighted the critical role of libraries in fostering intellectual growth and promoting lifelong learning, calling the library a fitting tribute to Hedgewar’s legacy. He emphasized the importance of incorporating modern technology and electronic resources to meet students’ evolving needs and urged the university community to utilize the library for both academic and personal development.”

The border dispute between Assam and Nagaland intensifies: Mariani peasants are threatened and kidnapped

The Assam-Nagaland border dispute has reached a critical point, as residents of Mariani in Jorhat district face escalating violence and fear. On the night of March 31, miscreants from across the border launched a brutal attack on Rajabari village, abducting four villagers and assaulting them before forcing them to sign blank papers. This was the third such incident in just 10 days, heightening concerns about safety. Locals have reported frequent attacks by alleged Naga miscreants, who have been accused of land-grabbing and destroying forests. With no clear response from authorities, many residents are considering relocating to Nagaland for their protection, fearing further violence and retaliation for speaking out.

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For the Northeast, positive ties with Bangladesh are essential: Central

The Government of India hopes that Bangladesh’s current hostility is temporary, emphasizing the importance of improving relations for regional stability. India’s External Affairs Ministry, through spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, stressed its desire for friendly ties with Bangladesh, noting that despite challenges, essential supplies and development collaborations continue. Concerns about atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh have been raised publicly and officially with Dhaka, highlighting India’s commitment to addressing humanitarian issues.

Mizoram Initiates Steps to Reinstate Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals

Mizoram is in the process of reinstating the Protected Area Permit (PAP), a requirement for foreign visitors in sensitive border regions, following a directive from the central government. Efforts include identifying a holding area at Lengpui Airport as per Union Home Ministry guidelines. The state has also requested the establishment of a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Aizawl for smoother registration.

Initially relaxed in 2011 to boost tourism, the PAP system exempted most foreigners except Afghan, Pakistani, and Chinese nationals. While this relaxation was extended until December 2027, security concerns have necessitated its reimplementation in Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland.