Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the governor of Manipur, orders officials to resolve pension backlogs.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has directed officials to clear the backlog in pension processing for retired employees at the earliest. Chairing a review meeting at Raj Bhavan, he discussed ways to streamline disbursal and sanctioned a shift to a new online pension processing system that will digitise the entire workflow. The upcoming system will allow end-to-end digital tracking of applications using an Employee Identification Number, with pension formalities to begin a year before retirement. The Governor stressed speedy clearance of pending cases alongside transparent and efficient pension delivery for retirees.

Due to the passing of musician Zubeen Garg, the Assam government has declared a three-day state of mourning.

The Assam government has declared three days of state mourning from September 20 to 22 following the untimely demise of celebrated singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg. In its condolence statement, the government expressed deep sorrow over his passing and cancelled all official entertainment events, dinners, and ceremonial functions during the mourning period. The ongoing Seva Saptah has also been adjusted, with ceremonial programmes postponed, though service-oriented activities such as health camps and support initiatives will continue.

At an ambush at Bishnupur, Manipur, two Assam Rifles jawans were killed and five more were wounded.

Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and five others injured after armed assailants ambushed their vehicle in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Friday evening. The attack took place at Nambol Sabal Leikai, about 16 km from Imphal, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a patrol column. Naik Subedar Shyam Gurung and Rifleman Keshap lost their lives, while the injured were admitted to RIMS hospital and are stable. Officials said the ambush occurred in an area outside the purview of AFSPA, complicating security operations. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla condemned the “heinous act,” and former CM N Biren Singh called for strict action against the perpetrators, as search operations continue amid Manipur’s volatile law-and-order situation.

In Manipur, armed criminals ambush the Assam Rifles, killing two and wounding five.

“Two Assam Rifles personnel were killed and five others injured when unidentified gunmen ambushed their vehicle near Nambol Sabal Leikai, about 12 km from Imphal, on Friday evening. The attack began with an IED blast followed by heavy gunfire and grenade launcher assaults. One soldier died on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal. The injured are undergoing treatment at RIMS, with one in serious condition. The convoy was traveling from Imphal to Bishnupur on National Highway 2 in a denotified area where AFSPA is not in force. No group has claimed responsibility yet. The Manipur Governor condemned the attack, reiterating a strong resolve to maintain peace and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The Tripura chief minister examines the arrangements for PM Modi’s September 22 visit.

“Tripura government is making hectic and foolproof preparation for the much-awaited visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tripura on September 22. The Prime Minister will arrive at Agartala airport by flight from Delhi and then reach Palatana near Udaipur by helicopter. From there, he will proceed to the Matabari temple complex in Udaipur where he will inaugurate the infrastructural development and beautification projects of the more than five hundred year-old Matabari temple complex as part of the ‘Prasad Prakalpa’ scheme. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with senior officials, has reviewed preparations at the temple complex to welcome the Prime Minister. The temple redevelopment is a Rs 51-52 crore project, funded under the Centre’s PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes, aimed at enhancing pilgrimage facilities while preserving its sanctity.”

The proposed Gangtok–Zeema road line would guarantee continuous connection in North Sikkim.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) is considering a proposal by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for a new road alignment between Gangtok and Zeema in North Sikkim to restore connectivity damaged by repeated natural disasters since 2023. The proposed climate-resilient alignment includes five tunnels and one cut-and-cover tunnel. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba has actively advocated for this project, emphasizing its strategic, developmental, and security importance. The existing route is highly vulnerable to landslides and weather disruptions, often cutting off local communities and affecting defense preparedness. BRO has committed to enhancing road infrastructure with expedited approvals and execution coordinated with the Sikkim government. The new alignment, along with upgrades on NH-310A and NH-310AG, aims to ensure year-round access, boost tourism, and maintain secure connectivity to border regions.

On September 22, PM Modi will officially launch the renovation of Tripura Sundari Temple.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tripura on September 22 to inaugurate the redevelopment and expansion of the historic Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Gomati district. Chief Minister Manik Saha has reviewed preparations, including security and logistics, for the visit. The Prime Minister will travel from Agartala’s MBB Airport to Udaipur by helicopter and is expected to offer prayers at the temple but will not deliver a public speech. The redevelopment project, funded by the central government under the PRASAD scheme, includes upgraded civic amenities, lodging, restrooms, parking, an open gallery, and eateries aimed at boosting religious tourism. The temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, was established in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. A helipad at the OTPC Power Project in Palatana has been constructed to facilitate the Prime Minister’s visit.

Floods in Assam: Second wave strikes, affecting 50,000 people in five districts.

Nearly 50,000 people across five districts in Assam are affected by a severe second wave of floods, as reported by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). Golaghat is the worst-hit district with over 32,000 residents impacted due to rivers like the Dhansiri overflowing and embankment breaches. Sonitpur has around 13,000 affected, while Cachar, Nagaon, and Bishwanath face flooding from the Barak, Kushiara, and Dikhou rivers. Over 8,000 evacuees are sheltered in 29 relief camps, and 19,000 distribution points provide essential supplies. Rescue operations by the NDRF and SDRF have saved hundreds. Agricultural losses are significant with over 4,600 hectares of cropland submerged and more than 14,000 animals affected, threatening livelihoods in farming communities. This follows a massive June flood that displaced over 500,000 people, highlighting ongoing challenges such as deforestation and inadequate flood management. Opposition leaders have urged for central aid, citing the severe impact on tea plantations.

For Durga Puja, Guwahati Police sets a loudspeaker usage limit of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night. Verify the dos and don’ts.

The Police Commissionerate of Guwahati has issued strict guidelines for Durga Puja 2025 focused on safety, crowd control, and eco-friendly celebrations. The advisory mandates Puja committees to obtain prior permission for setting up pandals, secure fitness certificates for electrical and sound systems, and install CCTV surveillance. Noise levels are capped at 55 dB (A) during the day and 45 dB (A) at night, and pandals are prohibited from being built on public roads. Fire safety measures, including extinguishers and sand buckets, are compulsory at every venue. Organizers must manage crowds with separate entry and exit points for men and women, register volunteers with police, and maintain public order. Environmental guidelines require biodegradable materials, ban plastic and inflammable substances, and enforce eco-friendly immersion practices. Prohibited activities include bursting crackers, forceful donations, and any action that disrupts communal harmony. Emergency medical teams and 24×7 help desks must be available at major pandals, and parking near pandals is banned to prevent congestion. Legal action will be taken against violations to ensure a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable Durga Puja.

Large gun caches are found by security forces in the hill parts of Manipur.

Security forces in Manipur have recovered a large cache of arms in multiple operations across several hill districts, including Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Kangpokpi. The recovered items include 11 pistols, 37 single-barreled rifles, two .303 rifles, one each of M-16, MA-1, MK-II INSAS, Carbine, and double-barreled rifles, along with three lathode bombs, 28 pompis (locally made mortars), and 57 rounds of various ammunition. Additionally, 23 radio sets were seized. Operations in Kangpokpi also led to the recovery of bolt-action rifles, 9mm pistols with magazines, 12-bore cartridges, wireless handheld sets, and bulletproof plates. These coordinated security efforts aim to restore peace, maintain public order, and ensure the safety of lives and property in the region affected by ethnic violence.