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Manipur Police Arrest Key Suspect in Chiru Murder Case


1. Manipur Police arrested Khangenbam Sanaton, 53, for the murder of Mirangge Chiru.
2. Sanaton was produced before the Court of JMFC Imphal West-I.
3. He was remanded to eight days of police custody.


Imphal, July 18: Manipur Police have arrested Khangenbam Sanaton, also known as Sanatomba Singh, 53, in connection with the murder of Mirangge Chiru, a member of the Chiru tribe.

Sanaton was produced before the Court of the JMFC Imphal West-I and remanded to eight days of police custody.

The Manipur police confirmed the arrest on their X handle, stating, “In connection with the murder of (L) Merangir Chiru on 15.07.2024, Manipur Police arrested one individual identified as Khangenbam Sanaton @ Sanatomba Singh (53 years). He was later produced before the Court of the Hon’ble JMFC Imphal West-I and remanded to 8 (eight) days of police custody. Further efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects involved in the case.”

Mirangge Chiru, a resident of Kangchup Chiru, Manipur, was reportedly tortured to death by miscreants on July 15, leaving the community in profound grief. Efforts to apprehend other suspects are ongoing.


Also Read: Assam Reports 81% Decline in Child Marriages from 2021-22 to 2023-24

Family members and relatives of Mirangge Chiru have called on authorities to expedite the investigation and bring those responsible to justice promptly.

The United Naga Council (UNC) and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) have jointly condemned the murder of Marangir Chiru, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to the bereaved family.

COCOMI accepted moral responsibility and assured their cooperation to resolve the matter amicably.

Both organizations emphasized their commitment to justice for the victim and urged authorities to apprehend all culprits, thoroughly investigate the crime, and ensure the welfare and security of the victim’s family.

Assam Reports 81% Decline in Child Marriages from 2021-22 to 2023-24


1. “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” reports an 81% reduction in Assam child marriages from 2021-24.
2. The report was released on the World Day for International Justice.
3. Success is credited to Assam state government initiatives and rigorous prosecution efforts.


Guwahati, July 18: A recent report titled “Towards Justice: Ending Child Marriage” reveals an impressive 81 percent reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts in Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24.

Released on the World Day for International Justice, July 17, the report attributes this success to the Assam state government’s initiatives and rigorous prosecution efforts.

Announcing the findings on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “This exceptional report by @IndiaCPOrg is a shining testament to our sustained efforts in empowering Nari Shakti. With over 3,000 arrests, our zero-tolerance approach has led to an 81% decline in child marriages since 2021. We will not rest until we eliminate this social evil.”

The report highlights that Jorhat and Nagaon districts have achieved a complete 100 percent reduction in child marriage cases, while Goalpara reported an 8 percent decrease.


Also Read: Tezpur Airport in Assam to Close for 1.5 Years for Maintenance

Data gathered from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and surveys conducted in 1,132 villages across 20 districts, covering a population of 21 lakh with 8 lakh children, demonstrate significant progress in eradicating child marriages.

Additionally, the report indicates that 30 percent of the surveyed villages have completely eradicated child marriage, and 40 percent have seen substantial reductions.

Furthermore, 98 percent of the population in Assam believes that prosecution is essential in ending child marriage. The report recommends creating fast-track special courts to clear the backlog of child marriage cases.

It suggests doubling the punishment for parents, guardians, or panchayats that provide an undertaking for child marriages, treating it as equivalent to criminal conspiracy for rape.

The report also calls for specific provisions for the rehabilitation of victims and survivors of child marriage, treating them on par with survivors of child sexual abuse.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s state-wide campaign against child marriage, launched in January 2023, has led to 3,015 arrests, showcasing the government’s dedication to combating this crime.

Despite the significant progress, the report notes that 3,563 child marriage cases remain pending trial, which could take 19 years to resolve at the current rate.

Nonetheless, the strides made in Assam are a promising step toward eradicating child marriage in the state and potentially across the country.

Tezpur Airport in Assam to Close for 1.5 Years for Maintenance


1. Tezpur Airport will suspend flight services from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026.
2. Runway resurfacing and terminal facility improvements are the reasons for the halt.
3. Helicopter services to Guwahati are being considered during the suspension period.


Tezpur, July 17: Flight services at Tezpur Airport in Assam will be suspended for one and a half years starting October 1, 2024, for extensive maintenance work, a senior official announced on Wednesday.

Tezpur Airport Director G Shiva Kumar stated that passenger flights will be halted until March 31, 2026, due to runway resurfacing and other facility improvements at the terminal.

The Tezpur Airport, which shares its runway with the Tezpur Air Force Base, will undergo maintenance that affects both commercial and military aircraft operations.

The Air Force Base had previously notified the Tezpur Salonibari Passenger Airport Authority about the necessary work, leading to the temporary suspension of passenger services.


Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma Warns of Rising Muslim Population in Assam: ‘Critical Issue’

Kumar mentioned that during the shutdown, the authority is exploring the possibility of offering helicopter services between Tezpur and Guwahati, though this plan has not been finalized.

Currently, a 90-seater SpiceJet flight operates directly from Tezpur to Kolkata daily. Additionally, two airlines provide daily flights to Kolkata via Guwahati, Pasighat, and Tezpur.

Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, 12 km from Tezpur town in Sonitpur district, the airport was established at Salonibari in 1942 and can accommodate up to 400 passengers at a time.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Warns of Rising Muslim Population in Assam: ‘Critical Issue’


1. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlights the Muslim population surge to 40% from 12% in 1951
2. Sarma views demographic shift as crucial beyond politics, with far-reaching implications.
3. Concerns raised over demographic changes shaping Assam’s socio-political landscape.


Guwahati, July 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced deep concern over demographic shifts in the state, highlighting that the Muslim population has surged to 40%, up from 12% in 1951.

Characterizing this trend as a critical issue transcending politics, Sarma emphasized its profound implications for Assam’s future.

“Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim population has reached 40% today. In 1951, it was 12%. We have lost many districts. This is not a political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me,” stated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.

Sarma’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the social and political impacts of demographic changes in Assam.

Earlier on July 1, Sarma had raised concerns about criminal activities linked to a specific religious group, although he did not explicitly name any community.

“I am not saying that crime is committed only by people of a particular religion, but recent incidents since the just concluded Lok Sabha elections are a matter of concern,” Sarma had pointed out.

In another instance on June 23, Sarma commented on the voting patterns of Bangladeshi-origin minority community members in the Lok Sabha elections, suggesting they favored the Congress over BJP-led initiatives in state and central governance.

He also criticized what he perceived as communal tendencies among this minority group in Assam.

During the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, along with its allies AGP and UPPL, secured 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, while the Congress won the remaining three seats.


Also Read: Arunachal Pradesh CM Calls for Improved Flight Connectivity at Donyi Polo Airport

However, in the broader context of northeastern states, the BJP coalition faced setbacks, clinching 15 out of 24 seats, with the Congress making significant gains from its previous tally of four seats.

Sarma underscored the challenges posed by religious affiliations in electoral outcomes, stressing that certain religious groups with substantial followings had openly opposed the BJP government in these states.

“A particular religion openly went against our government in those states, and that religion has tremendous followers in those states. So that has made a difference. It is not a political defeat, because nobody can fight with a religion,” Sarma remarked.

These statements reflect ongoing debates and concerns within Assam’s political landscape regarding demographic changes, communal dynamics, and their electoral ramifications.

As discussions continue, Sarma’s comments underscore the complexity and sensitivity surrounding these issues in the state’s socio-political discourse.

Arunachal Pradesh CM Calls for Improved Flight Connectivity at Donyi Polo Airport


1. Arunachal Pradesh CM urges enhanced flight connectivity at Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar.
2. Highlights full-capacity Kolkata and New Delhi flights causing high travel costs.
3. Their oaths will restore the Supreme Court to its full strength of 34 judges.


Itanagar, July 17: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to enhance flight connectivity at Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar.

In a letter addressed to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Khandu emphasized the existing flight operations to Kolkata and New Delhi, frequently operating at full capacity, resulting in high travel costs and ticket scarcity.

He highlighted the limited connectivity from Kolkata and New Delhi to other major cities, leading to prolonged layovers for passengers.

Khandu expressed disappointment over the discontinuation of flights between Itanagar and Guwahati since November 2023 and urged for their reinstatement under the UDAN scheme, along with increased services to New Delhi and Kolkata, daily operations, direct flights to other metros, and improved connectivity options.


Also Read: Assam Government Allocates Site to Tata for Semiconductor Plant in Morigaon

Additionally, in a separate communication to IndiGo’s Rahul Bhatia, Khandu requested more flights to Delhi and direct connections to major metros, acknowledging IndiGo’s current services and pledging support from the State’s Department of Civil Aviation for expanding flight services.

IndiGo has announced plans to initiate daily flights between Itanagar and Kolkata from July 31.

Assam Government Allocates Site to Tata for Semiconductor Plant in Morigaon


1. Assam government hands over land in Morigaon to Tata Group for a semiconductor plant.
2. Lease agreement finalized, paving the way for construction to begin.
3. Project set to boost semiconductor production capacity in Assam.


Guwahati, July 17: The Assam government has officially handed over a land site in Morigaon to the Tata Group for the establishment of a semiconductor plant, following the finalization of a lease agreement.

This development paves the way for construction to commence soon.

A significant milestone was reached today as the land agreement for Tata Group’s semiconductor project in Jagiroad, Morigaon district, was successfully concluded. The agreement, signed at the Sub-Registrar’s office in Morigaon, leases 517.27 bighas of land to Tata Group for 60 years.

Representatives from Tata Group, including Board Member and Chief Human Resources Officer Ranjan Bandopadhyay, and AIDC’s Manager (Tech) and Project in charge Dhiraj Pegu, signed the deal. The event was attended by District Commissioner Devasish Sharma and Sub-Registrar Namrata Chahu.

District Commissioner Sharma highlighted the significance of the day, stating that Tata plans to begin production at the facility by 2026.

“Today is historic not just for Morigaon district but for Assam and the entire country. The land registration for the semiconductor plant has been completed. Tata Group will soon start construction work here,” he said.

The signing ceremony also saw the presence of Assistant Vice President of Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd Kaninika Thakur, Executive Amoolya Huilgal, Legal Executive Nidhiya Jayaraman, HR Col Vikas Bhomia, and Project Team members Ashish Mishra and Avinash Dhabade.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Tata Group’s semiconductor and testing center in Jagiroad on March 13, marking a significant technological advancement for Assam.


Also Read: Noida Land Prices Increase by 6% Due to Allotment Rate Hike

The center represents an investment of Rs 27,000 crore and is expected to produce 48 million chips daily, providing direct employment to 16,000 individuals. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.

The semiconductor industry in India is still developing, with various local and multinational companies exploring its vast potential. Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) will set up a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam, with the capacity to produce 48 million chips per day at an investment of Rs 27,000 crore. The facility will cater to sectors such as automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones.

Chief Minister Sarma, present during the foundation stone ceremony, noted that industries had previously overlooked the northeast region for business. However, Prime Minister Modi’s inclusion of the region in the technological revolution marks a significant shift.

Tata Group aims to commence commercial production of semiconductor chips at the plants in Gujarat and Assam by 2026.

The chip shortages experienced during Covid underscored the importance of indigenous manufacturing for national security and innovation.

Noida Land Prices Increase by 6% Due to Allotment Rate Hike


1. Noida Authority raises land allotment rates by 6%, excluding commercial plots.
2. The increase affects around 50 residential land parcels totalling 17,500 sqm.
3. The decision comes amid rising inflation.


Noida, July 17: Buying land in Noida has become more expensive as the Noida Authority has decided to raise land allotment rates by six percent across all categories, except for commercial and corporate house plots.

This increase comes amid rising inflation and impacts approximately 50 land parcels, totaling around 17,500 square meters (sqm) for residential use, according to sources.

The decision to hike the rates was made during a Noida Authority board meeting in Lucknow, where the ₹7,700 crore budget for the financial year 2024-25 was also approved.

Noida is divided into six categories for residential land allotment: A+, A, B, C, D, and E.

The rates for categories A to E have been increased by six percent, while the rate for A+ category residential plots remains unchanged at ₹1.75 lakh per sqm.


Also Read: BJP’s Tradition of Changing Chief Ministers: A Closer Look at Tripura

Specifically, in the A category sectors (14, 17, 19, 30, 35, 36, 39, 44, 47, 50, 51, 52, 93, 93A, and 93B), the land rates have risen to ₹1.25 lakh per sqm from the previous ₹1.18 lakh per sqm.

In categories B, C, D, and E, the rates now range from ₹87,370 to ₹48,110 per sqm, up from ₹82,420 to ₹45,380 per sqm.

For group housing properties and plots, the rates have increased from ₹1.09 lakh per sqm to ₹69,170 per sqm, up from ₹1.18 lakh per sqm to ₹65,250 per sqm.

This is the second rate increase by the Noida Authority in less than a year, with the previous hike occurring in April 2023, when land rates were raised by 6-10 percent across various categories.

BJP’s Tradition of Changing Chief Ministers: A Closer Look at Tripura


1. BJP often changes chief ministers based on performance and influence.
2. The chief minister’s ability to maintain party unity is crucial.
3. Public support in elections and governance quality are key factors.


Agartala, July 17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a longstanding practice of changing its chief ministers, often assessing the performance and influence of the incumbent.

Factors such as the chief minister’s ability to maintain party unity, public support in various elections, and governance quality are crucial in these decisions.

Additionally, the central leadership’s confidence in the chief minister and the affection of top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah play a significant role. If a chief minister’s tenure tarnishes the party’s reputation or leads to a decline in public support, a change in leadership is likely.

The Case of Biplab Kumar Deb

Biplab Kumar Deb, the first BJP chief minister in Tripura, was removed from his position due to various factors, including the party’s reputation and internal assessments. The current chief minister has, so far, managed to gain the BJP central leadership’s confidence, especially after victories in the 2023 Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections.

However, certain controversial decisions during his tenure have raised concerns within the central leadership. One such decision is the controversial favoring of Santiniketan Medical College, associated with a jailed Trinamool Congress leader.

Internal Party Dynamics and Leadership Tensions

Rumors suggest that longstanding party members and leaders in the state feel neglected. Former Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik, a respected and successful party worker, is at the center of these discussions.


Also Read: N Kotiswar Singh Appointed as First Supreme Court Judge from Manipur

Despite her achievements, Bhowmik did not receive a Lok Sabha ticket this time, which many believe would have led to her reappointment as a Union Minister. Biplab Kumar Deb has also expressed his desire to return as chief minister, but the central leadership has not indicated any plans for his reinstatement.

The Role of Pratima Bhowmik

In the 2023 Assembly elections, there were speculations about Tripura potentially having its first woman chief minister. Pratima Bhowmik was nominated from Dhanpur, signaling the party’s consideration of this possibility.

Throughout her tenure as the Union Minister of State, Bhowmik has expressed her dedication to contributing to the state whenever possible. The current chief minister’s popularity has come under scrutiny due to various controversial decisions, which is causing concern within the party.

Leadership Challenges and Strategic Decisions

The current chief minister holds three major offices but faces criticism for his performance in these roles. With a Rajya Sabha seat vacant in the state, there is intense speculation about who the party will project for this position.

Winning elections in a small state like Tripura, whether Lok Sabha or Panchayat, is not considered a significant achievement, especially given the lack of strong opposition.

The opposition in Tripura has not yet managed to consolidate strength, and no political party seems capable of mounting a formidable challenge unless it holds power either at the center or in the state.

Uncertain Future and Central Leadership’s Strategy

With the BJP not holding a central force at the moment, the political situation in Tripura remains fluid. The central leadership’s decision-making will be critical in shaping the future of the state’s leadership.

As internal dynamics and strategic considerations continue to evolve, the party must navigate these complexities to maintain its influence and support in Tripura.

N Kotiswar Singh Appointed as First Supreme Court Judge from Manipur


1. Justices N Kotiswar Singh and R Mahadevan were elevated to the Supreme Court.
2. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointments on X.
3. Their oaths will restore the Supreme Court to its full strength of 34 judges.


Imphal, July 16: Justices N Kotiswar Singh and R Mahadevan were elevated to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, as announced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on X.

Their oaths will restore the Supreme Court to its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges, including the Chief Justice.


Also Read: Families of Missing Manipur Students Appeal to Governor for Justice

Justice N Kotiswar Singh, currently the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir, has made history as the first judge from Manipur appointed to the Supreme Court.

Justice R Mahadevan, currently serving as the Acting Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, was also appointed.

The Supreme Court Collegium recommended their names on July 11.

Families of Missing Manipur Students Appeal to Governor for Justice


1. Families of Linthoingambi Hijam and Phijam Hemanjit Singh intensify their quest for justice.
2. Memorandum submitted to Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan.
3. Urgent plea for recovery of students’ remains or whereabouts information.


Imphal, July 16: The families of Linthoingambi Hijam and Phijam Hemanjit Singh, two Manipur students allegedly abducted and murdered last year, have intensified their quest for justice by submitting a memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey.

Their petition, presented at Raj Bhavan, urgently calls for the recovery of the students’ remains or any information regarding their whereabouts.

Accompanied by former MLA Akoijam Mirabai Devi, the families conveyed their anguish and frustration over the handling of the case during their meeting with Governor Uikey.

Mirabai Devi, speaking on behalf of the families, expressed disappointment in the government’s response, highlighting that despite arrests and charge sheets filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the bodies of the victims have yet to be recovered nearly a year after their disappearance.

Demands for Action and Accountability

The families are urging authorities to expedite efforts to locate the remains before the approaching first anniversary of the students’ disappearance.

This urgency is driven by their desire to perform proper last rites for their loved ones. Additionally, they demand transparency regarding the progress of the investigation and are adamant about securing stringent punishment for the accused currently in CBI custody.


Also Read: Donald Trump Receives Massive Applause at RNC Despite Bandaged Ear

Governor Uikey, responding to the families’ plea for justice, assured them that significant steps are being taken to resolve the case.

During their meeting, she promptly reached out to the Director General of Police, urging intensified efforts to locate the remains and collaborate closely with the CBI.

Governor Uikey also committed to facilitating a meeting between the families and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh to discuss further steps in the investigation.

National Attention and Context

The case of Linthoingambi Hijam and Phijam Hemanjit Singh gained widespread national attention following the circulation of a viral video featuring the two students last year.

Their abduction and subsequent alleged murder occurred against the backdrop of heightened ethnic tensions in Manipur, further intensifying public and media scrutiny of the case.

Call for Justice Amidst Lingering Grief

For the families of Hijam and Singh, the pursuit of justice is intertwined with profound grief and a relentless quest for closure. Their memorandum to Governor Uikey represents not only a plea for action but also a testament to their unwavering determination to seek accountability for the tragic loss of their loved ones.

Government Response and Path Forward

Governor Anusuiya Uikey’s proactive engagement with the families and swift communication with law enforcement authorities reflect a commitment to addressing their concerns seriously.

By pledging to facilitate ongoing dialogue and coordination between investigative agencies and the affected families, Governor Uikey aims to uphold the principles of transparency and responsiveness in the pursuit of justice.

As Manipur awaits developments in the investigation into the disappearance and alleged murder of Linthoingambi Hijam and Phijam Hemanjit Singh, the families’ steadfast pursuit of justice continues to resonate with broader implications for accountability and the protection of human rights.

Their petition to Governor Uikey marks a pivotal moment in their journey toward closure and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved tragedies on communities and the imperative of a just and compassionate response from authorities.

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