Former CM D. D. Lapang Laid To Rest With State Honours

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Former CM D. D. Lapang Laid To Rest With State Honours

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. D. D. Lapang was laid to rest today with full state honours, as political leaders, colleagues, and citizens gathered to pay their final respects to one of the state’s longest-serving and most influential leaders.

The funeral, held in Nongpoh, was attended by senior government officials, legislators from across party lines, and community representatives. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma led the tributes, calling Lapang “a guiding figure whose contributions to Meghalaya’s political and social development will never be forgotten.”

Dr. Lapang, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 91, had a long political career spanning over four decades. He served multiple terms as Chief Minister, first assuming office in 1992, and was a central figure in the Congress party’s presence in the Northeast. Known for his consensus-building style, Lapang was widely respected for bridging divides and working across party boundaries.

Several speakers at the funeral recalled his role in advocating for better infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities in Meghalaya. Former colleagues described him as a “man of the people” who maintained close connections with grassroots communities.

The state government had earlier announced three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across Meghalaya. Schools and offices observed a two-minute silence in his memory.

As the state bid farewell, many mourners reflected on Lapang’s ability to remain relevant across generations. His passing marks the end of an era in Meghalaya politics, leaving behind a legacy of public service and resilience.

PM Narendra Modi Unveils ₹40,000 Crore Projects In Bihar

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PM Narendra Modi Unveils ₹40,000 Crore Projects In Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said his government has drastically cut the GST rate which will come into force from Navratri.
Addressing a public meeting at Sheesha Badi Maidan in Purnea, he said with this the daily use goods will become cheaper, housemakers will be able to more as soap, paste, stationary and garments will become cheaper.
The Prime Minister said, the NDA government is committed to free the region of Bihar, West Bengal and Assam from intruders. Mr. Modi said the people of Bihar have kept RJD and Congress out of power for their misrule.
The Prime Minister said the prestige and identity both are in danger from RJD and Congress. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over 40,000 crore rupees.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Tripura Sundari Temple Sept 22

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PM Modi To Inaugurate Tripura Sundari Temple Sept 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari in Udaipur, Gomati district, on September 22, Chief Minister Manik Saha has announced. The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds immense cultural and religious importance in the state.

The redevelopment has been carried out under the PRASHAD scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry, with the state government contributing ₹7 crore. The total cost of the project is approximately ₹97.70 crore.

According to CM Saha, Modi will arrive in Agartala in the afternoon on September 22, proceed to Matabari, offer puja at the renovated temple, and then return without making a public address. Security and preparation activities are in advanced stages.

The temple is over five centuries old, having been built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya. It has undergone significant changes in its surroundings and structure as part of the redevelopment. The project also includes beautified landscaping around the temple complex.

A notable addition connected to the project is the 51 Shakti Peethas Park at Banduar in Gomati district. This park, being built about four kilometers from the temple, will feature replicas of all the 51 Shakti Peethas to enhance religious tourism and spiritual heritage in the region. The park is also part of the broader project funding under PRASHAD.

Officials from the Tourism Department and security agencies have visited Udaipur to verify arrangements for Modi’s visit. Local infrastructure upgrades, traffic management, and visitor amenities have been reviewed in recent days.

The redevelopment of Tripura Sundari Temple is seen as symbolically significant, reaffirming the state’s rich religious heritage while promoting pilgrimage tourism. Observers expect a large turnout on the inauguration day, especially from devotees and heritage activists.

Tripura Assembly Session From Sept 19, Four Bills On Agenda

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Tripura Assembly Session From Sept 19, Four Bills On Agenda


The Monsoon Session of the 13th Tripura Legislative Assembly will be held from September 19 to 23. The session was approved by the Governor following a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee. There will be no sitting on September 22 because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the state that day.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the session will include the tabling of four Bills: the Tripura State Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill; the Tripura Janabiswas (Amendment) Provision Bill; the Factories (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025; and the Tripura Shops & Establishments (Seventh Amendment) Bill.

On September 19, lawmakers will participate in Question Hour and introduce these Bills. On subsequent days, there will be debate and discussion, along with three Private Members’ Resolutions. These resolutions are expected to be from representatives of diverse parties including BJP, CPIM, and TIPRA Motha.

Because Assembly Speaker Biswabandhu Sen is recovering from illness, the Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul will preside over the session.

Minister Nath also noted that the scheduling takes into account the Durga Puja festival, and the Assembly session has been shortened to accommodate the festive period.

Legislators and citizens alike are keenly watching what provisions these Bills and Resolutions will contain. Key issues expected to surface include labor law changes, business regulations, employee welfare, and service provisions, especially given the approach of festival season.

Flood Situation Worsens In Manipur, IMD Issues Alert, Schools Closed

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Flood Situation Worsens In Manipur, IMD Issues Alert, Schools Closed

In a severe spell of monsoon devastation, large parts of Manipur have been battered by flash floods and landslides over the past few days, leaving thousands of families displaced. Heavy and relentless rains have submerged more than 5,000 houses, destroyed roads, and cut off several key regions from the rest of the state.

Officials confirmed that torrential downpours have affected both valley and hill districts, with rising water levels inundating homes and agricultural land. Many families were forced to flee to makeshift shelters, carrying only essential belongings. Relief teams have been deployed, but officials admitted that rescue and relief operations have been hampered by blocked roads and continuous rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that intense to very heavy rainfall will continue in Manipur and other parts of the Northeast in the coming days. The alert has raised fresh concerns among residents already struggling with waterlogging, disrupted electricity supply, and shortages of food and medical supplies. The IMD warning has also led to state authorities ramping up disaster preparedness and deploying additional teams in flood-prone districts.

The persistent downpours have triggered landslides along major highways, further complicating the situation. National and state highways connecting Imphal to other districts have been blocked at several points, leaving trucks and passenger vehicles stranded for hours. Road closures have also delayed the delivery of relief material to the worst-affected areas. Officials said that engineers and work crews are working around the clock to clear debris and restore connectivity, but warned that continuing rainfall makes it difficult to ensure stability.

In a safety measure, the Manipur government announced that all schools and colleges across the state would remain closed on September 16. The decision, taken late on Monday, was aimed at protecting students and staff from risks posed by waterlogged roads, damaged infrastructure, and the possibility of more landslides. Education authorities said classes will resume only after weather conditions stabilize. Parents have been urged to keep children indoors and to avoid unnecessary travel.

Flood victims, meanwhile, are in urgent need of relief. Civil society groups and local volunteers have stepped in to distribute food packets, drinking water, and basic medicines in relief camps. Residents in several affected districts told reporters that they fear an outbreak of water-borne diseases if the situation continues. With sanitation systems overwhelmed and clean water in short supply, health officials are already issuing warnings about potential health risks.

Agricultural losses are also mounting. Paddy fields in valley districts have been submerged, raising concerns about food security in the coming months. Farmers expressed fears that if floodwaters do not recede soon, their standing crops will be destroyed, causing financial hardship in addition to the human cost.

State disaster management officials have appealed to the central government for assistance, including financial aid and deployment of additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units. Early reports indicate that helicopters may be used to airlift stranded villagers if road access cannot be restored quickly.

The floods in Manipur highlight the growing vulnerability of Northeast India to extreme weather events. Experts have warned that deforestation, unchecked urbanisation, and fragile mountain ecosystems are increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides in the region. They have urged both state and central governments to prioritise long-term mitigation measures such as better drainage systems, flood-resilient housing, and stricter land use regulations.

As Manipur braces for more heavy rain, the immediate focus remains on saving lives and extending relief to the displaced. Authorities have asked citizens to stay alert, avoid riverside areas, and heed official advisories. For thousands who have lost their homes, however, the fear is not only about enduring the rains but also about rebuilding their lives once the waters recede.

Prof. Maheswar Neog Memorial Lecture & Exhibition Today

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Prof. Maheswar Neog Memorial Lecture & Exhibition Today

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Regional Centre, Guwahati, in collaboration with Gauhati University, will today hold the Professor Maheswar Neog Memorial Lecture and Exhibition at Phanidhar Dutta Hall, Gauhati University. The event aims to celebrate the life and scholarly contributions of the late Prof. Maheswar Neog (1918-1995), a towering figure in Assam’s literary, historiographical, and cultural circles.

The function will begin at 11:00 AM, chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh C. Gaur, Director & Head of the Kala Nidhi Division and Dean (Administration) of IGNCA. The introduction will be presented by Dr. Sapam Ranabir Singh, Regional Director, IGNCA Regional Centre, Guwahati. Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, will be the Chief Guest. The keynote speaker is Prof. Navamalati Neog Chakraborty, a writer, translator, critic, and visiting professor at the University of Calcutta.

The theme of the lecture is “Art, Culture, Literature and Historiography: The Face of Tradition in Assam.” Alongside the lecture, there will be an exhibition titled “Through the Lens: The Life and Works of Prof. Maheswar Neog”, which will showcase his personal library, manuscripts, publications, and contributions to Assam’s cultural heritage.

Prof. Maheswar Neog left an indelible mark in academia and culture. He served at Gauhati University in several key positions, including as the Jawaharlal Nehru Professor of Assamese. He also held the position of Srimanta Sankaradeva Professor at Patiala University. Notably, Prof. Neog played an instrumental role in having Sattriya dance recognized as one of India’s classical dance forms. His major works include Sankaradeva and his Predecessors, Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Assam, Rhythm in the Vaishnava Music, Religions of the North-East, and more. He was the recipient of prestigious honours such as the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the Governor of Assam’s title of Professor Emeritus, and the Satriya Sankaradeva Award.

The IGNCA Kala Nidhi Division also highlights that in 1992, Prof. Neog’s family donated his personal library—approximately 3,500 volumes of books and 27 sanchipat manuscripts—to its reference library. These treasures remain important resources for scholars studying Assamese literature, histories of faith, traditional arts, and the Vedic-Bhakti movements.

Today’s event will not only commemorate Prof. Neog’s memory but also foster renewed interest in Assam’s tradition, literature, and arts. The lecture and exhibition are expected to draw academics, students, artists, and members of the public interested in culture, heritage, and the history of northeastern India.

With Prof. Navamalati Neog Chakraborty delivering the lecture, attendees will have an opportunity to hear reflections rooted in both scholarship and lived tradition. Her own literary work spans multiple genres, including translations, poetry, critical essays, and creative writings, and is essential in bridging literary heritage across different languages.

This memorial lecture and exhibition carry importance in a time when traditional forms, historical knowledge, and cultural narratives require active preservation. By honoring Prof. Neog’s legacy, institutions aim to sustain cultural values and inspire new generations to engage with Assam’s rich heritage.

B. Borooah College Observes 83rd Foundation Day

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B. Borooah College Observes 83rd Foundation Day

B. Borooah College (Autonomous), Guwahati, celebrated its 83rd Foundation Day on Saturday with a full programme of cultural events and student engagements. The day-long celebration was held on campus under the theme of “legacy of knowledge, culture, and brilliance.”

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the institution and extended warm congratulations to the college administration, faculty, students, and alumni on the occasion. He praised the college’s history of academic excellence and cultural contributions to Assam.

Cultural performances by students marked the beginning of the celebrations. There were dance, music, and theatrical displays that reflected the heritage and artistic talent of the college body. The programmes also included speeches from distinguished alumni and college officials, who shared memories and underscored the institution’s role in shaping leaders.

The college authorities announced that an annual award in the name of Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi will be instituted going forward, to honour outstanding students or contributors associated with the college. This initiative is expected to further motivate the student community.

B. Borooah College was established in 1943, named after Bholanath Borooah, a prominent figure in Assamese trade and education. Its first president was Gopinath Bordoloi, who played a significant role in the founding of the college. Over the decades, the college has grown in strength, gaining autonomy, and has earned top accreditation grades, becoming one of the premier institutions in the Northeast.

Satyendra Nath Barman, the Principal, addressed the audience and emphasized that the college must continue adapting to changing academic standards while preserving its mission of equipping students not only with knowledge but with values. He stressed the importance of innovation, ethical learning, and social responsibility among the younger generation.

Several departments used the opportunity to display student work, scientific projects, and displays of traditional arts. There was also a felicitation ceremony for distinguished alumni, who have contributed in literature, public service, education, and other fields.

The celebration comes at a time when many educational institutions are reflecting on how to balance heritage with modernity. For B. Borooah College, its legacy is not just in the years but in the impact: many of its past students have gone on to prominent roles in academia, government, the arts, and public service.

The Independence Day, Youth Day, Teacher’s Day and other important college events over the years have built a reputation of community involvement. This Foundation Day was no different—students, faculty, staff, and alumni all participated with enthusiasm.

In his remarks, the Chief Minister urged the students to carry forward the tradition of excellence and to remain committed to social harmony. He also called upon the college to continue playing its role in community service and region-building, particularly in such times when educational institutions are looked upon as pillars of progress.

Congress Claims Narengi-Kuruwa Bridge Foundation Laid In 2016

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Congress Claims Narengi-Kuruwa Bridge Foundation Laid In 2016

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Monday accused the state government of misrepresenting facts about the Narengi-Kuruwa bridge project, stating that the foundation stone for the bridge had already been laid by the late former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on March 1, 2016. This claim came during a press meet at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati, where Congress leaders challenged the recent foundation stone laying by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi said that while the Prime Minister laid a foundation stone for the Narengi-Kuruwa bridge during his latest visit, the project actually dates back nearly a decade. “Perhaps Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma forgot to inform the Prime Minister,” Bordoloi remarked, implying the government’s announcement was redundant and politically motivated.

The Narengi-Kuruwa bridge, a 2.9-kilometer structure, is expected to cost approximately ₹1,200 crore. Its construction is seen as part of the state’s wider infrastructure development and connectivity agenda. The project was one among several initiatives inaugurated by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to Assam, which also included high-cost health, energy, and transport sector schemes.

Bordoloi also criticized other parts of Modi’s speeches, including remarks claiming that Congress had aligned with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. He pointed out what he called a double standard, citing that despite strong public opposition, certain sporting events involving Pakistan were allowed in Assam, facilitated by politically connected individuals.

He further contended that while Congress had long demanded equitable development for northeastern states including Assam, the ruling government appears to use infrastructure announcements for political optics. “After two years and six months of ethnic violence in Manipur, we never saw a visit from the Prime Minister until now,” Bordoloi said. He said this belated attention coinciding with the birth centenary of cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika seems timed for political effect.

Responding to these claims, government representatives have defended the latest laying of the foundation as a fresh formal process, with updated plans, revised engineering designs, and possibly different funding and contractual arrangements. However, Congress demands that the record clearly reflect the 2016 foundation event, lest public memory be distorted.

The controversy underscores Assam’s sensitive political atmosphere, where public infrastructure projects often become flashpoints between ruling and opposition parties. The Narengi-Kuruwa bridge, being significant in improving urban and peri-urban connectivity, has importance beyond logistics—its politics are closely watched by local media and citizens alike.

As Assam prepares for further development announcements, Congress leaders have demanded transparency in how projects are recorded, funded, and publicized. They insist that updates to existing work should not be presented as new initiatives. For its part, the government is expected to issue clarifications and possibly release archival documentation to substantiate its claims.

Centre, Arunachal Govt. Sign MoU For Special Package In Siang

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Centre, Arunachal Govt. Sign MoU For Special Package In Siang

The Government of India and the Arunachal Pradesh government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to roll out a special development package for the Siang region. The announcement was made as part of preparatory activity for the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project (SUMP), which is expected to be a transformative infrastructure endeavour for the frontier state.

The agreement was formalized in Itanagar in the presence of top officials including Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta; State Coordination, Planning and Investment Commissioner Ankur Garg; Secretary V. L. Kantha Rao from the Union Water Resources Ministry; Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal; and S. K. Sinha, Commissioner (Budget & Buildings) under the Union Ministry.

Under the package, multiple interventions have been identified for Siang and Upper Siang districts—these include generation of livelihood opportunities, development of new infrastructure, and upgradation of existing facilities. Key sectors that will receive special focus are animal husbandry, piggery, fisheries, poultry farming, horticulture, handloom, bamboo crafts, eco-tourism, and beekeeping.

A significant component of the package also includes setting up common facility centres, crafts resource centres, marketing and sourcing hubs, urban haats, emporia, and raw material depots to give artisans and local producers better market access. Distinct branding and identity for local textiles and bamboo-based products are also planned to enable wider reach for local products.

Officials emphasized that the package is designed not just for short-term improvement but for long-term socio-economic upliftment of communities. The scheme is expected to strengthen livelihood resilience, improve quality of life, and reinforce the socio-economic fabric of the region.

The MoU is being seen as a precursor to the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project (SUMP), which aims to generate clean energy, ensure water security, and moderate flood risks in the Brahmaputra basin. Planning for SUMP is still in its early phases, and this development package is to lay the groundwork for local readiness.

The Centre’s move comes at a time when infrastructure and livelihood support are urgently needed in border and remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Authorities believe that the package will help local communities better prepare to harness the benefits of larger projects while mitigating environmental and social impacts.

Implementation will involve both Centre and state agencies, with monitoring, phased execution, and focus on ensuring sustainable benefits. With SUMP looming, officials say these early interventions will play a key role in integrating local needs with large-scale infrastructure planning.

Assam CM Urges Patience Amidst Moran Community Blockade

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Assam CM Urges Patience Amidst Moran Community Blockade

The Moran community in Assam began an indefinite economic blockade on September 15, 2025, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The protest, led by the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU), is being enforced across Tinsukia district and has brought movement of oil, coal, tea, and gas trucks to a standstill, leaving many transporters stranded.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has appealed to the Moran community—and five other groups pressing similar demands—to pause their agitation. He warned that continued protests could delay the process of granting ST status further. Speaking in Kokrajhar, Sarma emphasized that work on the applications is moving forward in a “smooth and positive” manner, and stressed the importance of finding a middle ground.

The AMSU justified their blockade citing a long history of broken promises. According to them, although Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised ST status for six communities—including the Morans—during the 2014 Lok Sabha campaign, that promise has remained unfulfilled for over a decade. Protesters say that despite repeated statements by government officials, there has been no concrete action to include six communities—Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, Adivasi (tea tribes), Chutia, and Tai Ahom—in the ST list.

In Tinsukia, the blockade has severely affected local trade. Since early morning of the protest, hundreds of loaded trucks have been stuck on Makum–Forland road. Oil depots and gas plants in the vicinity have suspended operations, and several businesses report losses due to disrupted supply chains. The blockade is also being seen as political pressure ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sarma has emphasized that protests “will only delay the entire process.” He cautioned that untoward incidents during protests could derail progress. He has repeatedly assured that the government is in constant dialogue with the community organizations, and that proposals are being prepared, with a detailed report expected to be tabled in the state Assembly session in November.

Supporters of the protest argue that patience has already been exhausted. Protests in recent days—including large rallies and torchlight marches in Talap, Kakopathar, Margherita, and Tinsukia—reflect the urgency felt among community members. The Moran Autonomous Council, formed in 2020, is seen by protesters as insufficient, lacking the power and protections that accompany Sixth Schedule or ST status.

Many Moran leaders and activists believe that granting ST status would provide access to reservations in education and employment, and help preserve cultural identity that they fear is under threat. The community has also pointed out that existing socio-economic indicators—poverty, access to resources, land rights—do not match the status of other groups currently recognized as ST.

The government’s response has included verbal assurances and promises of consultation. Officials say assessments are underway, including studies to verify eligibility criteria and socio-cultural standing of the six communities. Yet, community members press for visible action: formal notification, recognition under law, and legislative steps rather than just dialogue.

The situation remains tense. The blockade shows no sign of immediate end unless demands are addressed. If protests continue, they could escalate, affect more supply routes, and increase public pressure. What remains to be seen is whether political urgency and administrative processes will align to deliver ST status before the next election cycle.

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