AASU’s Satyagraha Escalates With Protests Against CAA, Illegal Immigration

VNE Correspondent
-
0
AASU’s Satyagraha Escalates With Protests Against CAA, Illegal Immigration

Protests across several Assam districts intensified under the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU)’s ongoing “Satyagraha” campaign, demanding stricter action against illegal immigration and opposing any move to extend Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protections to undocumented immigrants.

In Golaghat, members and volunteers of the local AASU unit marched through the streets with banners declaring “Bangladeshi Go Back,” shouting anti-CAA and Assam Accord slogans. Our correspondent reports that demonstrators pressed for immediate implementation of the Biplab Kumar Sarma Committee’s recommendations under Article 6 of the Accord, which deal with detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.

Similar conspicuous demonstrations took place in Biswanath and Nalbari. In Biswanath Chariali, student protesters accused the government of sidelining clauses of the Assam Accord while reportedly enabling settlement of undocumented Bangladeshis in Assam. Our correspondent adds that protesters also condemned past delays in implementing essential provisions and warned that further postponements of CAA deadlines could dilute Assam’s rights.

Meanwhile in Nalbari, nearly two hundred students staged sit-in demonstrations near district headquarters, echoing slogans such as “Assam Accord Implementation” and “Down with CAA.” AASU members voiced concerns that the 36 years since the Accord’s signing have seen many clauses remain unfulfilled.

AASU vice-president Bhabajit Bezbaruah declared today that Assam will never accept CAA or laws that threaten indigenous identity, urging the government not to extend legal protections to undocumented immigrants under CAA. Our correspondent reports that such protests aim to remind authorities of the grassroots demand for preservation of culture, identity, and legal recognition, grounded in genuine indigenous concerns.

The Satyagraha, which began on August 27, gathered momentum with hunger strikes and symbolic demonstrations. Planned future actions include human chain formations across AASU units on September 20, and mass rallies in district headquarters on September 23, to further amplify the demands. Our correspondent adds that AASU’s strategy underlines non-violent civil resistance, aiming to draw public and political attention through coordinated and increasing displays of unity.

Rs 2 Crore Cash, Gold Seized From Assam Top Officer

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Rs 2 Crore Cash, Gold Seized From Assam Top Officer

In a significant crackdown on corruption, a top-ranking Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer, Nupur Bora, was arrested on Monday after a raid on her residence unearthed a substantial amount of cash and valuables. A team from the Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell (CM’s SVC) conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations linked to the officer and her associate, seizing cash and jewellery worth an estimated two crore rupees. The operation, which follows a months-long surveillance, has highlighted the state government’s commitment to combating corruption and misuse of public office.

The raids were initiated early on Monday morning at two flats in Guwahati and one in Barpeta. The primary target was the flat of Nupur Bora, a 2019-batch ACS officer who is currently posted as a Circle Officer in the Goroimari Revenue Circle of Kamrup district. During the extensive search, officials recovered a staggering sum of approximately ₹92 lakh in cash and gold and diamond jewellery valued at over ₹1 crore. The seized currency was so voluminous that officials from the State Bank of India (SBI) were called in to assist with the counting. A further ₹10 lakh in cash was recovered from a rented property in Barpeta linked to the officer.

Our correspondent reports that the raid was a culmination of a six-month surveillance operation. Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that Nupur Bora had been on the vigilance cell’s radar following complaints of her alleged involvement in controversial land-related issues during her previous posting in the Barpeta Revenue Circle. Our correspondent adds that she is accused of illegally transferring government land and other properties to “suspected infiltrators” and was allegedly operating with a close associate, a land clerk named Surajit Deka, whose home was also raided as part of the investigation.

Nupur Bora ACS
The accused Nupur Bora

Chief Minister Sarma has publicly stated that his government is determined to bring an end to corruption, particularly in revenue circles in areas with a significant minority population. He said that this case is part of a larger push to ensure transparency and accountability in the state’s administration. He added that the investigation is a work in progress and that more property and assets may be uncovered as the probe continues. The authorities are also scrutinising bank lockers held by Bora in Barpeta and Golaghat.

The raids and the subsequent arrest of the young officer, who has only six years of service, have sent a strong message across the state. This is the latest in a series of anti-corruption drives by the government, which has been under pressure to address allegations of irregularities in various departments. The case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the accused have been remanded to police custody for further investigation. The Chief Minister’s office has vowed to take strict action against any government official found to be involved in corruption, regardless of their position.

Nagaland RMSA 2016 Batch Teachers Demand Pay Parity

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Nagaland RMSA 2016 Batch Teachers Demand Pay Parity

A wave of discontent is rising among teachers recruited under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) 2016 batch in Nagaland, as they press for equal pay with colleagues from earlier batches. The issue has gained momentum in recent days after several organisations came forward to support the teachers’ demand, calling the existing pay gap discriminatory and unjustified.

The RMSA scheme, launched nationally to improve secondary education, has recruited teachers across Nagaland in multiple phases. However, those appointed in the 2016 batch allege that their salaries are significantly lower than peers recruited earlier, even though their qualifications, responsibilities, and workload remain the same.

Teacher representatives argue that the situation amounts to unequal treatment within the same cadre. “We perform identical duties, teach the same subjects, and work under the same conditions, yet we are paid less. This disparity has to end,” a spokesperson for the 2016 batch teachers said.

Support has come from student bodies, civil society groups, and even some senior educators, who believe that failure to address the issue could demoralise a key segment of the teaching workforce. Organisations backing the teachers have warned that the disparity risks undermining the state’s education system by discouraging qualified candidates from joining or staying in the profession.

The teachers have submitted memoranda to the state government and held discussions with the Department of School Education, seeking an immediate revision of their pay structure. They insist that parity must be ensured in line with national norms, which generally avoid pay differences for teachers recruited under the same scheme.

Officials from the education department have acknowledged the grievances but say the matter requires careful examination of financial implications and approval at higher levels of government. They have promised to hold further consultations to find a resolution.

Meanwhile, teachers have hinted that if their demands are not addressed soon, they may intensify their agitation. “We are committed to teaching, but we also deserve fair treatment. If necessary, we will explore stronger forms of protest,” one teacher remarked.

The issue has sparked broader debate on how contractual and scheme-based teachers are treated across the country, with many pointing to chronic disparities between different batches and states. Experts argue that such inequalities not only demotivate staff but also compromise educational outcomes, as teachers distracted by financial stress cannot give their best to students.

For now, the RMSA 2016 teachers are rallying under the banner of fairness and parity, with growing public support behind them. The state government faces pressure to act quickly, both to protect morale in schools and to prevent further disruption in the education sector.

Two ULFA-I Cadres Surrender In Nagaland After Fleeing Myanmar Camp

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Two ULFA-I Cadres Surrender In Nagaland After Fleeing Myanmar Camp

Two cadres of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) have surrendered before security forces in Nagaland after fleeing from a training camp in Myanmar, officials confirmed.

The two men, whose names have not been disclosed for security reasons, crossed into Nagaland earlier this week after leaving a base in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, where ULFA-I maintains facilities for indoctrination and weapons training. On arrival, they surrendered to security authorities and are now being debriefed to gather critical intelligence on the group’s operations.

Security personnel said the surrender is significant, given ULFA-I’s continuing attempts to use Myanmar’s remote border areas as safe havens for recruitment and training. “The cadres who left the camp were reportedly dissatisfied with conditions, the risks involved, and the lack of clarity in ULFA-I’s future strategy,” an official involved in the debriefing noted.

ULFA-I, led by Paresh Baruah, remains active in parts of Assam and across the Indo-Myanmar border despite decades of counter-insurgency campaigns. However, the group has seen a steady trickle of desertions over recent years, particularly as its promises of better opportunities fail to materialise. Former cadres have often cited poor living conditions in camps, scarce resources, and the constant fear of airstrikes and raids as reasons for their decision to return to India.

Nagaland police and the Assam Rifles have welcomed the development, stressing that every surrender weakens the insurgent network. They added that the two cadres will be considered for rehabilitation under government surrender and reintegration schemes, which provide vocational training, financial assistance, and counselling support to help ex-militants reintegrate into society.

Local community groups have also praised the decision, urging other youths caught in insurgent activities to surrender and pursue legitimate livelihoods. Civil society representatives emphasized that the Northeast’s future lies in peace and economic progress, not in armed rebellion.

Observers believe that desertions like these could encourage more cadres to abandon the insurgency, especially amid stronger security cooperation between India and Myanmar. The Indian Army and Myanmar’s Tatmadaw have conducted several joint operations in border areas, limiting the freedom of movement of militant groups.

The government has reiterated that it remains open to dialogue with armed outfits willing to abandon violence, even as it maintains pressure on groups that continue to engage in extortion and armed activities.

UK, US Seal Deals To Speed Advanced Nuclear Rollout

VNE Correspondent
-
0
UK, US Seal Deals To Speed Advanced Nuclear Rollout

The United Kingdom and the United States have unveiled a series of commercial and government-backed agreements designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, strengthen regulatory cooperation, and eliminate dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. Branded the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, the initiative will be formally signed during U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to London this week.

A central feature of the package is a new fast-track regulatory pathway that will allow U.K. and U.S. nuclear regulators to work in parallel. The aim is to cut licensing timelines for advanced and small modular reactors (SMRs) to roughly two years, encouraging private investment while helping both countries meet clean-energy goals. Another major element of the partnership is the commitment to phase out Russian nuclear materials from supply chains by 2028.

Several high-profile industry deals anchor the announcement. U.S. reactor developer X-energy and U.K. utility Centrica have signed a joint development agreement to create a national fleet of up to 6 gigawatts of X-energy’s Xe-100 modular reactors. Hartlepool has been identified as the preferred launch site, with reports suggesting the project could expand to as many as 12 units, generating enough power for around 1.5 million homes and creating 2,500 jobs across multiple sites.

Other ventures are focused on innovative applications. Holtec, EDF, and Tritax are planning to establish SMR-powered data centres at the former Cottam coal site in Nottinghamshire, underlining the role of low-carbon energy in powering the digital economy. Another micro-modular project is being considered for London’s Gateway port, showing how compact reactors can provide clean energy for industrial hubs and logistics corridors.

For both governments, the partnership reflects a broader vision of a “golden age of nuclear.” The U.K. is highlighting the potential for jobs, exports, and energy security, while the U.S. views advanced nuclear as vital for powering an AI-driven economy, decarbonising industry, and ensuring reliable grid performance.

Industry leaders have welcomed the initiative. Rolls-Royce noted that cross-border regulatory alignment would help speed up approvals for its U.K. SMR design in the U.S. and pave the way for integrated supply chains.

The announcement comes as part of a larger economic agenda during Trump’s visit, which is expected to include more than $10 billion in agreements across nuclear, technology, and defence. While the projects will still require site approvals, financing, and local engagement, the deal is seen as a powerful market signal that could unlock billions in private investment.

Analysts point out that the emphasis on modular, replicable reactors marks a shift away from single mega-projects. Advanced designs such as the Xe-100 and emerging micro-reactors are being positioned to complement renewable energy, decarbonise industrial processes, and support rapid electrification. The key challenge, experts say, will be in delivery—ensuring financing models, workforce training, grid integration, and community support are in place to turn agreements into reality.

Arab, Muslim Nations Urge Review Of Ties With Israel

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Arab, Muslim Nations Urge Review Of Ties With Israel

Arab and Muslim leaders have called for a review of ties with Israel after emergency talks in Doha on Monday, following last week’s deadly strike on Hamas members in the Qatari capital.

The Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation joint session, which brought together nearly 60 countries, sought to take firm action after Israel’s attack on Qatar-hosted Hamas officials as they discussed a Gaza ceasefire proposal.

A joint statement from the summit urged all States to take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people, including reviewing diplomatic and economic relations with it and initiating legal proceedings against it.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insisted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would not strike Qatar again. Trump said this to reporters in the Oval Office, after Netanyahu failed to rule out further strikes during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem.

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he did not rule out further strikes on Hamas leaders “wherever they are”, as the heads of Arab and Islamic states held a summit to show support for Qatar after Israel’s attack on the Gulf state last week.

The September 9 strike targeting leaders of the Palestinian militant group in Doha marked a significant escalation of Israeli military action in a region shaken by conflict since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks that ignited the Gaza war.

While the assembled Arab and Muslim leaders were expressing solidarity with Qatar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Netanyahu and gave strong backing for Israel’s hardline stance, although Washington has expressed unease over the Qatar strike.

Speaking alongside Netanyahu in Israel, Rubio said the only way to end the war in Gaza would be for Hamas fighters to free all hostages and surrender. While the U.S. wants a diplomatic end to the war, “we have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen,” he said.

Washington has said it was not warned in advance before Israel attacked Qatar, which houses the biggest U.S. military base in the Middle East. President Donald Trump said on Sunday Israel had to be “very, very careful”.

“They have to do something about Hamas, but Qatar has been a great ally to the United States,” Trump said.

Sri Lanka Beat Hong Kong By 4 Wickets In Asia Cup Match

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Sri Lanka Beat Hong Kong By 4 Wickets In Asia Cup Match
In the Asia Cup Cricket Tournament, Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong by four wickets in their Group B clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium last night.
Chasing the target of 150 runs set by Hong Kong, Sri Lanka scored 153 for 6 with seven balls to spare.
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka hit a composed 68 runs off 48 balls and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl. Hong Kong made 149 for 4 in the stipulated 20 overs.
In another match played last night at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, UAE beat Oman by 42 runs in Group A.
Batting first, UAE made 172 for five wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. In reply, the Oman team was all out for 130 runs in 184 overs.
Today, Bangladesh will meet Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The match will start at 8 PM IST.

SC Puts On Hold Certain Provisions Of Waqf Amendment Act 2025

VNE Correspondent
-
0
SC Puts On Hold Certain Provisions Of Waqf Amendment Act 2025
While refusing to stay the Waqf law, Supreme Court on Monday however put on hold certain provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025. The clause requiring a person to be a practising Muslim for five years before dedicating property as Waqf has been stayed.
The top court ruled that this clause will remain suspended until State Governments frame rules to determine such conditions. Pronouncing an interim order, A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih said, it has considered a prima facie challenge to each of the sections and found no case was made out to stay the entire statute.
The provision allowing a government-designated officer to decide disputes on whether Waqf property encroaches on government land has also been stayed, with the court observing that executive officers cannot adjudicate citizens’ rights, as this will violate separation of powers. The court also restricted the creation of third-party rights over such disputed properties until tribunals decide the matter.
The Court has also addressed the provision on the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf bodies. The provision allowing the nomination of non-Muslim members to the Waqf Boards has not been stayed. However, the Court observed that, as far as possible, the ex officio member of the Board, should be a Muslim person.
The Court observed that for the Central Waqf Council, it shall not consist of more than 4 non-muslim members, and for State Waqf Board, not more than 3 non-Muslim members. The Court has clarified that its observations are only prima facie in nature and will not prevent parties from making further submissions challenging the validity of the Act.

India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise Concludes In Meghalaya

VNE Correspondent
-
0
India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise Concludes In Meghalaya

A joint military exercise between India and Thailand concluded in Meghalaya this week, focusing on counter-insurgency tactics and operations in jungle terrain. The drill, which lasted nearly two weeks, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and strategic partnerships between the two nations.

Army officials said the exercise involved coordinated field operations, tactical drills, and joint training sessions aimed at enhancing interoperability. The terrain of Meghalaya provided an ideal backdrop for practicing jungle warfare, an area of expertise for both countries’ armed forces.

The exercise included scenarios such as search and rescue missions, cordon and search operations, counter-IED measures, and coordinated patrols. Participants also exchanged experiences on peacekeeping operations, reflecting India and Thailand’s growing role in regional and global security initiatives.

Senior defence officials from both countries attended the closing ceremony, where they praised the professionalism and camaraderie developed during the drills. They emphasized that such joint exercises not only boost military preparedness but also contribute to broader diplomatic and cultural ties.

Local officials highlighted the significance of hosting such an event in Meghalaya, noting that it underscores the Northeast’s importance as a strategic and training hub. They also pointed out that the exercise contributed to local economies by involving logistical support and community interactions.

Observers say the India-Thailand exercise is part of a larger pattern of military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, as countries respond to evolving security challenges and seek greater collaboration.

Forum Formed To Draft Tourism Rules In Meghalaya

VNE Correspondent
-
0
Forum Formed To Draft Tourism Rules In Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government has set up a new forum bringing together tourism operators, community leaders, environmentalists, and officials to frame regulations aimed at balancing tourism growth with cultural and environmental sustainability.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the initiative reflects growing concerns about unregulated tourism, which while beneficial for revenue, has put pressure on the state’s fragile ecosystems and local traditions. “We must create a framework that allows tourism to thrive without eroding our identity or damaging the environment,” he noted.

The forum will discuss guidelines for homestays, adventure tourism, transport services, and eco-tourism projects. Community representatives stressed that local voices must remain central in policymaking, pointing to issues such as waste management in popular destinations like Shillong, Sohra, and Dawki.

Environmental experts participating in the forum warned of the rising ecological footprint of mass tourism, highlighting challenges such as plastic pollution, river degradation, and deforestation. They urged the government to adopt stricter standards for carrying capacity and green certification for tourism businesses.

Tour operators welcomed the move, noting that regulation will bring greater clarity, professionalism, and accountability to the sector. They also emphasized the need for infrastructure upgrades to match the state’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.

The forum is expected to submit its recommendations to the government within three months. Officials said the regulations will be shaped in line with both national tourism policies and local community needs, with the goal of ensuring long-term sustainability.

123...45Page 2 of 45