Due to a failing highway, truckers bring the Mizoram government to court.

Raising concerns over Mizoram’s crumbling road infrastructure, the Mizoram Truck Drivers Association (MTDA) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the state government and a construction company regarding the severe deterioration of National Highways 306 and 6. These highways, considered the state’s primary supply routes, have reportedly become hazardous, especially the Kawnpui-Sairang stretch of NH-306 and the 118–133 km segment of NH-6, where potholes and frequent landslides have endangered lives and disrupted transport. Despite government claims of spending over ₹311 crore on repairs, the MTDA alleges poor-quality work and repeated supply disruptions. Tensions peaked recently when emergency roadworks by local tipper operators led to a six-day suspension of truck movement and a resulting fuel shortage statewide. The situation has also triggered political unrest, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Lalduhoma and PWD Minister Vanlalhlana, accusing them of negligence in maintaining the state’s vital road link.

Over 1,700 kg of banned single-use plastic seized in Meghalaya crackdown.

In a major enforcement drive in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district, authorities seized over 1,700 kg of banned single-use plastic items, primarily plastic bags and packaging materials violating the mandated 120-micron thickness. The action follows a Meghalaya High Court directive banning the sale, production, and storage of such plastics statewide. A multi-agency task force conducted surprise inspections across key markets, issuing warnings to vendors and underscoring the need for eco-friendly alternatives to support a cleaner, greener Meghalaya.

In Siaha, Mizoram, Union Minister George Kurian establishes the framework for two important projects.

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, George Kurian, virtually laid the foundation stone for two key development projects worth Rs 12 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in Mizoram’s Siaha district on July 16. The projects—a public market-cum-multipurpose centre and women facilitation centre in Tipa V, along with a new community hall—are aimed at furthering the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision and enhancing socio-economic opportunities for women and minority communities. The virtual ceremony was attended by local MLAs and officials, underscoring the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth in the Northeast.

86 illicit firearms are seized by security forces in a significant operation throughout Manipur.

In a major joint operation across five valley districts in Manipur, security forces recovered 86 illegal weapons and nearly 1,000 rounds of ammunition, marking one of the largest crackdowns in recent months. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, combined teams of Manipur Police, CAPFs, the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles conducted simultaneous raids in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur. The seized arms included AK-series rifles, SLRs, pistols, and explosives such as grenades and mortar shells. Inspector General of Police (Zone-II) K Kabib described the operation as a significant step toward curbing illegal arms proliferation and restoring peace in the region.

Arunachal Pradesh worker shot in Assam dies from wounds; suspect detained.

A construction labourer from Assam, Shankar Pegu, died after being shot in the head at a worksite in Roing, Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district, following a reported dispute over financial matters. The accused, Tadar Bhai of Papum Pare district, drove the injured man over 400 km to a hospital in Naharlagun instead of seeking immediate treatment nearby. Pegu succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning. Police have arrested the accused and recovered the weapon. The case has been registered under murder and arms act provisions, and authorities are investigating the delay in medical attention. This marks the second violent incident involving migrant labourers in the district within a week, prompting the imposition of prohibitory orders in the area.

The Tripura chief minister lays the groundwork for the Rs 97.7-crore Shakti Peethas Park.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday laid the foundation stone for a landmark ₹97.70 crore project to establish the 51-Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati district, approximately 68 km south of the state capital. The park, set to be completed within 15 months, will feature replicas of all 51 Shakti Peethas—revered Hindu shrines across India and neighboring countries—alongside what is expected to be the world’s tallest statue of Lord Nataraja and modern tourist facilities, including a glass skywalk bridge. Strategically located just 4 km from the historic Tripura Sundari Temple, the park aims to boost religious tourism and showcase Tripura’s spiritual heritage. The project is funded under the Union Tourism Ministry’s PRASHAD scheme, with additional support from the Asian Development Bank, and is part of broader efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure in the state.

Nodal officers are appointed by Manipur to accelerate IDP documentation.

The Manipur Government has appointed dedicated Nodal Officers in each affected district to expedite the issuance of vital documents for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) facing delays and rejections. This move aims to streamline the process for birth, domicile, caste, and income certificates, ensuring displaced families receive timely support. A State-level Nodal Officer has also been designated for centralized coordination, as the government urges compassionate and urgent handling of all IDP documentation needs.

As the Indian Army steps up flood relief efforts in the Northeast, more than 3,800 people are rescued.

The Indian Army has intensified its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations across flood-hit Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur under Operation Jal Rahat-2, rescuing over 3,800 people so far. Forty relief columns have been deployed, with efforts coordinated by Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in close partnership with local authorities. The Army has distributed food, drinking water, and medical aid to thousands, while maintaining readiness for further emergencies as floodwaters gradually recede in the affected regions.

The Manipur High Court requests a thorough update on the Jiribam killings investigation from the NIA.

The Manipur High Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to submit a detailed progress report on the investigation into the November 2024 killings in Jiribam district, where six Meitei community members—including three women and three children—were brutally murdered. Expressing concern over the lack of progress and the absence of a chargesheet more than seven months after the incident, the court emphasized the urgency of the probe and accountability for those responsible. The next hearing is scheduled for July 24, as the court seeks to ensure justice for the victims and their families.