On the afternoon of Eid, a ride turned fatal for Firdaus Alam on the Silchar Ramnagar bypass. A head-on collision with a scooter resulted in his immediate death, while the two scooter riders sustained severe injuries. Police arrived at the scene, sending the injured to Silchar Medical College and recovering Alam’s body, leaving behind a grieving family who has lost their only son.
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 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.
Bangladesh’s interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, stirred controversy during his visit to China by describing India’s Northeast as “landlocked” while advocating for deeper Sino-Bangladesh ties. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s strategic importance as a “guardian of the ocean” for the region and signed nine agreements with China, including infrastructure and water management projects like the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration initiative.
While Chinese President Xi Jinping extended zero-tariff access to Bangladeshi goods and proposed talks on a Free Trade Agreement, Yunus’ remarks about the Seven Sisters have drawn criticism, injecting geopolitical undertones into Bangladesh’s deepening ties with China. India is monitoring Beijing’s growing presence in its neighborhood closely.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a ropeway project connecting Biswanath Ghat (Gupta Kashi) to Umatumuni River Island. This ₹58.81 crore project, designed by IIT Guwahati, aims to enhance tourism and ensure safer travel. The ropeway, spanning 446 meters, is expected to be completed within 24 months.
Additionally, the CM initiated the construction of a 50-bed critical care block at SM Dev Civil Hospital in Silchar, valued at ₹24 crore. The facility will feature an ICU, operation theatre, and pediatric care unit. Sarma also inaugurated a new circuit house project in Silchar, highlighting the region’s focus on healthcare and infrastructure development.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated 14 infrastructure projects worth ₹102 crore and laid the foundation for 21 new projects valued at ₹126 crore in the Kalaktang constituency, West Kameng District. The projects aim to accelerate development and improve connectivity in the region.
During a meeting in Shergaon, CM Khandu discussed future road projects, including the Shergaon to Mandala Top road, which is under survey, and the Shergaon to Doimara road, for which a feasibility study will be conducted following a memorandum from the Sherdukpen community. Necessary approvals are expected soon.
“TRAI has directed telecom operators—including Jio, Airtel, and Vi—to roll out Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), a feature that displays the caller’s registered name to combat spam and fraud. Collaborations with global tech giants like HP, Dell, Ericsson, and Nokia are underway, and trials in select areas have already begun, with a phased rollout planned once the technology stabilizes.”
In a startling incident, two Bangladeshi nationals disguised as Sadhu Babas were caught deceiving people under the pretense of spirituality. Their true identities were revealed when locals, suspicious of their behavior, challenged them to recite the Gayatri Mantra and Hanuman Chalisa. Failing to chant the sacred verses raised doubts about their authenticity.
Further investigation uncovered cigarettes in their possession, strengthening suspicions. Confronted by residents, their inconsistent responses exposed their deceitful intentions. It is suspected that they exploited religious sentiments to gain trust and potentially target unsuspecting households.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of spiritual visitors to prevent such fraudulent activities.
“A derailment occurred near Manguli in Odisha’s Cuttack district involving the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Super Fast Express. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported. East Coast Railway’s CPRO Ashok Kumar Mishra confirmed the safety of all passengers and stated that emergency teams, including NDRF and fire services, were deployed. Senior railway officials have reached the site, and helpline numbers 8455885999 and 8991124238 have been activated for assistance. Restoration work will commence soon, with the cause of the derailment to be determined after an inquiry.”
Concerns over the slow progress of repairs on NH-6 in Meghalaya were raised during a joint inspection on March 27, led by Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner Shivansh Awasthi, and Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, alongside NHAI officials and contractors. While NHAI reported 65% completion, sluggish progress was noted in Kuliang, Umkiang, and Ratacherra.
To expedite work, heavy vehicle movement is restricted from 9 am to 5 pm. The Deputy Commissioner urged increased manpower and machinery, while the SP emphasized the need to prioritize critical areas with frequent breakdowns, targeting completion within two weeks.
Barak Bolchhe!
