Police in Tripura conducted two successful operations on Tuesday, apprehending an Indian tout and three Bangladeshi nationals. Jakir Hossain, the tout, was arrested at Agartala Railway Station for allegedly aiding illegal border crossings. Meanwhile, three Bangladeshi nationals—Mainul Islam, Taijul Islam, and Jahirullah—were detained near the international border in Baidyanath village, along with the seizure of cannabis-filled drums. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.
Tezpur University released the second issue of its Multidisciplinary Research Journal (MRJ), a peer-reviewed quarterly publication celebrated as the first of its kind in Northeast India. Highlighting interdisciplinary research, the MRJ features contributions from 74 authors across 25 institutions, addressing key issues such as health, environmental protection, and cultural heritage. Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh emphasized the role of the National Education Policy 2020 in fostering the university’s commitment to innovative, multidisciplinary education and research.
Six Press secretaries in Bangladesh’s interim authority, under Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, have drawn public criticism after upgrading to iPhone 16 Pro Max devices at government expense, costing BDT 1,361,994. Allegations of corruption and misuse of power have also surfaced against student coordinators pivotal in the 2024 regime change, including unverified investments in properties and undeclared foreign bank accounts. These issues highlight growing concerns over governance and accountability in the interim administration.
Pangin village in Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang district was inaugurated as a Clean Model Village (CMV) under the ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ initiative, becoming the district’s third CMV after Pagak and Lokpeng. Led by Circle Officer Niyang Pertin, the transformation emphasized community participation, leveraging government schemes, and infrastructure development. Achievements included the revival of the Ruteng stream, creation of eco-tourism facilities, and beautification projects. Minister Ojing Tasing commended the villagers for exemplifying cleanliness and progress, while MLA Oken Tayeng highlighted Siang’s potential for adventure tourism and self-reliance through youth training and tourism initiatives.
“Commercial activity in Shillong came to a standstill on Monday as local businesses and shopkeepers observed a voluntary shutdown in response to the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Organized by the Shillong Citizen Forum (SCF), the shutdown stretched from Khyndailad to Ïewduh, with widespread support from merchants as a gesture of solidarity. A candlelight vigil held the evening before at Khyndailad saw citizens come together to pay tribute to the victims.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Meghalaya government ordered Pakistani nationals residing in the state to leave by the end of April 2025 and intensified security along its 443-km border with Bangladesh, citing heightened concerns over cross-border threats.”
“The 1st Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted an intensive mobilisation drill in Assam to enhance monsoon preparedness. The training involved 18 flood rescue teams, deployed rapidly to the Mini Stadium at Sonapur in Kamrup Metro district. Over 550 rescuers, including women rescuers and a canine squad, participated in realistic flood rescue simulations addressing common challenges in the northeastern region. Supervised by Commandant Sh HPS Kandari, the drill aimed to strengthen operational readiness for handling emergencies such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. The NDRF reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and livelihoods through this initiative.”
“Meghalaya’s two-day Strawberry Festival, set for May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, will highlight agro-tourism and rural empowerment. Taking place in Syntung, Sohliya, and Darechigre, visitors can enjoy strawberry picking, workshops, cultural events, glamping, and recreational activities. The initiative aligns with the state’s growing success in strawberry cultivation, showcasing a 2024 yield of 1,220 metric tonnes.”
A fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mizoram has claimed over 3,050 pigs across four districts—Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit. Officials have declared 46 localities as ASF-infected zones, raising concerns about cross-border transmission from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The affected districts have seen significant pig fatalities, with Siaha and Lawngtlai being the hardest hit. To contain the outbreak, approximately 1,000 pigs have been culled, but the situation remains critical due to conducive weather conditions. This outbreak adds to the financial and agricultural losses from previous ASF waves, with Mizoram suffering a total loss of Rs 896.69 crore since 2021.”
“Joint security forces, comprising the Assam Rifles and Indian Army, successfully eliminated three NSCN (Angmai) militants during an operation in the Pongchau area of Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh. Acting on intelligence reports, the operation led to an exchange of fire, resulting in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles. The forces continue combing operations to ensure regional security.”
A massive forest fire erupted in the Nadipar area near Dirang town, Arunachal Pradesh, engulfing several acres of forest land. Swift action by multiple agencies, including the ITBP, local police, and fire services, brought the blaze under control by Thursday evening, April 24. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported.
Barak Bolchhe!
