Mizoram police and Assam Rifles have intercepted a large cache of explosives believed to be intended for anti-junta resistance forces in Myanmar. This is the second major seizure of weapons and explosives in recent weeks. Officials have noted a rise in smuggling activities through Mizoram's porous border with Myanmar, likely due to the ban on vehicle movements between the two countries in Manipur. The Indian government has begun fencing the Indo-Myanmar border to curb these illegal activities.
Acting on intelligence, joint forces in Mizoram recovered a large cache of war-like stores, including Gelatin sticks, Detonators, and Cordtex, from a white vehicle occupied by two individuals. The apprehended individuals and recovered items were handed over to Mizoram Police for further investigation. This comes after Assam Rifles, along with Excise and Narcotics Department and Customs Preventive Force, seized heroin and illegal areca nuts worth Rs 1.01 crore and apprehended three individuals in a separate operation.
In two separate operations, Assam Rifles, along with the Excise & Narcotics Department and Customs Preventive Force, seized a lucrative haul of illegal drugs and contraband items worth over Rs 1 crore in the Champhai district of Mizoram, India. Three individuals were also apprehended in connection with the smuggling ring. This serves as a warning to other smugglers operating in the region that Assam Rifles will not hesitate to take down any illegal activities in the Northeast.
A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the northeastern state of Assam, leaving residents in its capital city of Guwahati in a state of panic. Despite the strong tremors and shallow depth of 23 km, no casualties or property damage have been reported. This is the second earthquake to hit the Northeastern states today, with Nagaland and Mizoram experiencing mild tremors earlier. The high seismic activity in this region is due to its location in a seismically active zone, with 11% of the country falling in the most active zone, while Guwahati falls in the relatively less affected zone.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of people belonging to the Kuki Zo tribe took to the streets in Manipur and Mizoram to protest against the Indian government's decision to cancel the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar and erect fencing on the border. The decision was made to address the issue of illegal immigration, which has been blamed for the ethnic strife in Manipur, that has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people. The protests, organised by various tribal organisations, aimed to send a message to the government to reconsider their decision and preserve the unique culture and identity of the Kuki Zo community.
In a recent interview with The Assam Tribune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ongoing Manipur crisis and the influx of Myanmar nationals in Mizoram, as well as various insurgent groups in Assam. He emphasized the government's efforts to resolve conflicts and improve security in the Northeast, stating that there has been a marked improvement in the situation. Additionally, he highlighted the progress made in signing peace agreements and resolving border disputes, and reassured the safety and integrity of Arunachal Pradesh. The PM also discussed his visits to the region for development initiatives.
Tamilisai Soundararajan, who serves as Governor of Telangana and holds additional charge as L-G of Puducherry, has resigned from her post in order to enter the electoral fray. This unexpected move comes just days before the nomination process for Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry begins. Soundararajan, a longtime BJP member and former Tamil Nadu BJP chief, is likely to contest from Chennai (South) or Tirunelveli. This is not the first time a Governor has resigned to pursue a political career, as demonstrated by Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan's similar resignation in 2019.
The Manipur government is set to deport 77 Myanmar nationals, including women and children, who fled to the state following the military coup in their country. According to a senior official, the first batch of seven Myanmarese was deported on March 8, and the process is expected to continue on Monday. This deportation comes after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that India, although not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, has been providing aid and shelter to those affected by the crisis in Myanmar. Over 5,000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in Manipur, and a large number of them are living in relief camps and government buildings in Mizoram.
 "IndiGo Pilot extends warm welcome to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on flight, video goes viral")
In a heart-warming moment, an IndiGo pilot and passengers welcomed Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on a flight from Nagpur to Delhi today. The video of the special announcement and Gadkari's beaming smile has gone viral on social media, with users applauding the humble nature of the crew member. The minister was flying to Delhi to attend a government meeting and also announced the approval of a 4-lane highway project in Mizoram worth Rs. 1,742 crore.
India's Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has sent his best wishes to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on their Statehood Day, highlighting their significant contributions to the country's development and rich cultural traditions. He also expressed his hope for continued prosperity for the state. In related news, PM Modi has also unveiled multiple development projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, and greeted the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day.