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PTI

IMPHAL, May 27: The Manipur Congress on Wednesday alleged the BJP-led governments at the Centre and the state have been “silent spectators” when several people were abducted by armed groups, and many are still being held hostage.

Interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an event to mark the 62nd death anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, state Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh alleged that “there is no rule of law in this tiny state”.

“What immediate steps have been taken by the state and the central governments when the civilians were abducted? We strongly condemn it and demand that those held hostage be rescued immediately,” he said.

The three-term former chief minister also asked, “Why are both the state and Centre being silent spectators? Is there any hidden agenda?” More than 38 people were abducted and held hostage by armed groups in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Senapati districts on May 13, hours after three church leaders were killed in an ambush.

Of them, 31 people have been released, including 12 Naga women and 16 Kukis. Six Naga men, however, continued to be held hostage, and their whereabouts are not yet known.

Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes in the state, claimed that 14 people from the community continued to be held hostage by Naga groups.

Manipur police chief Rajiv Singh on Monday said talks were being held and operations were underway to find the missing persons.

Four suspects were also apprehended by security forces from Kangpokpi district on Monday in connection with the abduction of the six Naga civilians.

Singh also alleged that the BJP only focuses on elections throughout the year. “They are not concerned about the future of the country,” he said.

(PTI)

GANGTOK, May 27: Sikkim was declared a fully literate state in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday.

The declaration was made under the Centre’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra in Gangtok.

Congratulating the state government and people of Sikkim, the president described the achievement as a significant step towards inclusive development and social empowerment through education.

Sikkim Chief Minister Tamang also hailed the achievement and congratulated the people of the state.

“Heartiest congratulations to the people of Sikkim on the historic and proud occasion of our state being formally declared a Fully Literate State under the ULLAS, Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram,” he said.

Tamang described the development as a defining milestone in Sikkim’s educational and social journey and said it reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that no adult citizen is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge, dignity and empowerment. “From the remotest villages to every block and gram panchayat, this mission has reached every corner of Sikkim with dedication and determination,” he said.

Tamang said the achievement was made possible by the enthusiasm and perseverance of learners from all age groups, many of whom learnt to read and write for the first time in their lives.

“Their determination embodies the true spirit of ‘Saakshar Sikkim’ and serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations,” he added.

The chief minister also expressed gratitude to the Education Department, volunteer teachers, educators, coordinators and officials associated with the literacy mission.

“Your selfless service, compassion, patience and unwavering commitment towards the upliftment of society have made this transformative initiative a grand success,” he said.

Describing literacy as the foundation of empowerment, equality and progress, Tamang urged people to continue working collectively towards building a stronger, enlightened and self-reliant Sikkim where knowledge and opportunities reach every citizen.

From Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, May 27: The All India Congress Commit-tee (AICC) has approved the proposal for appointment of the leader and deputy leader of the Congress Legislative Party in Assam. Accordingly, senior party leader, Wazed Ali Choudhury has been appointed as leader of the CLP in Assam, while newly-elected MLA from Nowboicha, Joy Prakash Das has been appointed as deputy leader.

The appointments came into effect from Tuesday, ac-cording to a statement issued by the party’s general secretary, KC Venugopal.

The announcement came in the wake of intense discussions within the party regarding the leadership structure of the CLP in Assam amid the ongoing session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.

PTI

ITANAGAR, May 27: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday announced that the state government would create a separate department dedicated to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to strengthen its enforcement and safeguard indigenous tribal rights.

The decision was taken during a seven-hour-long high-level consultative meeting attended by student bodies, community-based organisations (CBOs), legal experts, political parties and civil society groups to deliberate on issues related to indigenous rights, ILP enforcement and demands raised by the Arunachal Pradesh ST Bachao Andolan Committee (APSTBAC).

Describing the deliberations as one of the most extensive discussions held on the future of the state and its indigenous communities, Khandu said the government remained committed to protecting the identity, demographic security and constitutional rights of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal population. “All community-based organisations, student bodies, representatives of political parties and other stakeholders attended the consultative meeting and shared their concerns and suggestions,” Khandu told reporters after the meeting.

Asked about the issue of illegal religious structures, he said the government would take action against all illegal mosques in the state. He said directions has already been issued to the chief secretary to prepare a detailed report on such structures across the state for further action.

Khandu said the government has accepted in principle all four demands submitted by APSTBAC, terming them “genuine”.

The demands included stronger protection of indigenous tribal rights, action against illegal immigrants, strict implementation of the ILP system and opposition to granting Scheduled Tribe status to non-tribal communities.

Seven-member delegations from the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), APSTBAC and legal experts were invited for a follow-up meeting on May 29 to prepare a roadmap on the issues discussed.

The developments come against the backdrop of a 36-hour bandh called by APSTBAC from May 14 over the “Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit Guidelines, 2026”.

GUWAHATI, May 27: Opposition Congress and Raijor Dal on Wednesday demanded that the Bill on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) be referred to a Select Committee, even as the government went ahead with its passage by a voice vote on the last day of the first session of the new Assam Assembly.

The opposition MLAs termed the Bill as “BJP’s political agenda” and sought wider consultation among all stakeholders.

The lone Trinamool Congress MLA staged a walkout earlier, opposing certain provisions of the Bill and alleging that the proposed law has been introduced by the BJP-led NDA with “malicious intention”.

During a discussion on ‘The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill’, the opposition MLAs also said it will hurt the rights of a certain section of society.

“The topics mentioned in the UCC are already enforced in the form of different laws. Issues related to child marriage, polygamy, registration of marriage and divorce, alimony and other issues are governed by various laws. Then why has UCC been brought in?” said Congress Legislature Party leader Wajed Ali Choudhury.

He stressed that it is “not a simplification of the laws, but rather complicating the whole process”. “The BJP brought it only for politics. It’s not democratic to intervene in the personal issues of people

From Our Special Correspondent

From Our Special Correspondent

GUWAHATI, May 27: The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC) has recorded robust demand for high-quality teas during Auction Sale Number 22, with several tea gardens achieving impressive price realisations.

A major highlight of the auction was a premium lot from Deckiajuli Tea Estate, owned by Parry Agro Industries Ltd, which fetched Rs 800 per kilogram for BOPSM grade—the highest price ever achieved by the estate.

Situated on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in Assam’s Sonitpur district, Deckiajuli Tea Estate is widely recognised for producing high-quality, robust black CTC teas, known for their rich caramel notes and bright amber liquor.

The tea was marketed by leading broker J Thomas & Co Pvt. Ltd. and purchased by Jain Tea Company.

In the 2025-26 season, tea from Hookmool Tea Estate also achieved a record price of Rs 831 per kilogram, marking the highest price for CTC tea at GTAC.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 27: IIM Shillong launched the 8th batch of its Doctoral Pro-gramme for Working Profes-sionals (PhDWP) and the 7th batch of the Post Graduate Programme for Working Executives (PGPWE) on May 26.

The ceremony was at-tended by Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Director of IIM Calcutta, as the chief guest, alongside guests of honour Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President at NASSCOM, and Dheeraj Gaur, CEO of Arete Capital Service Pvt. Ltd.

Prof. Naliniprava Tri-pathy, Director (I/C) of IIM Shillong, highlighted the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and ethical leadership.

She noted the institute’s growing global rankings and encouraged participants to focus on adaptability and continuous learning within the shifting business envi-ronment.

Chief guest Prof. Alok Kumar Rai spoke on the ris-ing global reputation of In-dian management institutes, stating that modern business education must be research-led and closely aligned with industry realities.

(Contd on P-7)

ITANAGAR, May 27: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday signed an agreement with Greenko Demwe Power Ltd for developing the 1,750-mw Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project, a statement said. The agreement marks one of the largest hydropower collaborations undertaken with a private sector developer in the state, it said. The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project will be developed on the Lohit river near Parasuram Kund and Brahma Kund, it added. The project will have five generating units of 342 mw each, along with one unit of 40 mw. It is expected to generate approximately 7,326 million units of electricity annually, making a substantial contribution to the country’s energy security, the statement said. The project site enjoys strategic connectivity through Dibrugarh airport and Tinsukia station in Assam, it said. (PTI)

Source: IMD Shillong

MAX: Shillong 20.5, Sohra 21.7, Umiam 26.9

MIN: Shillong 14.8, Sohra 15.4, Umiam 19.0

RAIN: Shillong 0.2, Sohra 12.8, Umiam 0.2

FORECAST: Moderate rain is likely at most places

NEW DELHI, May 27: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed the Manipur government to appoint the director general of police from outside the state cadre.

Teh top court noted that term of current DGP Rajiv Singh, IPS officer of Tripura cadre, is coming to an end on May 31.

“In the peculiar facts and circumstances prevailing in the State, the prayer has been made to appoint the Director General of Police from outside Manipur cadre. We find merit in the prayer. The application is allowed. The State of Manipur is permitted to appoint the DGP from outside Manipur Cadre,” the bench said. (PTI)

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PTI