Manipur govt striving to restore normalcy: Gov Bhalla
Imphal/ Guwahati/ Shillong/ Agartala/ Itanagar/ Aizawl/Gangtok
The eight Northeastern states celebrated the 79th Independence Day on Friday with the state functions held at the capitals.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said on Friday that the state government had worked tirelessly to restore normalcy, enhance security, and ensure a safer environment for all communities.
Hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration at the first Manipur Rifles ground in Imphal, the Governor said that a clear timeline has been set to facilitate the safe and dignified return of violence-hit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.
He emphasised that the state now stood at a decisive moment in its journey, calling on the people to rise above differences and work together in a spirit of peace and brotherhood.
He further pointed to campaigns like the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’, workplace harassment prevention measures, the ‘Back to School’ initiative for Self-Help Groups, and the operationalisation of 11 IT Centres in violence-affected districts as steps towards building a more inclusive and resilient future.
The Governor also noted that the government, supporting inclusive growth, has organised various awareness campaigns under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (PM-DAJGUA) across the hill districts, focusing on the sustainable development of tribal communities. He stated that Manipur had made steady progress in recent years in social welfare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
The Governor highlighted initiatives such as the ‘Hunar Se Rozgar’ scheme, skill development training for internally displaced persons, and measures to strengthen law and order, including expanded border fencing.
Bhalla also highlighted the newly launched Rs one lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a transformative step towards empowering the nation’s young workforce. He urged the youth of Manipur to actively seize this opportunity, emphasising that they are the torchbearers of the state’s and the country’s future.
The Governor added that such initiatives are vital steps towards the realisation of the vision of Viksit Bharat, where every young citizen contributes to building a strong, inclusive, and prosperous nation. He highlighted the Union government’s special allocation of more than Rs 2,800 crores for Manipur, including substantial funds for infrastructure, public services, and the rehabilitation of displaced persons.
The Governor stressed that the best way to honour the sacrifices of the past was to build a future defined by stability, opportunity, and dignity for all. The Independence Day’s main function at the first Manipur Rifles ground concluded with cultural performances showcasing the diverse traditions and rich heritage of Manipur.
Some outlawed outfits, like in previous years, have called for a shutdown on Friday, opposing the Independence Day celebrations. However, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the ethnic violence hit state.
Under close supervision of senior officials, a large contingent of the Army, Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), along with Manipur Police, have been deployed in Manipur to deal with the ethnic hostilities in the northeastern states since May 2023.
As part of security measures, security forces established mobile check posts at different strategic places in Manipur to check different types of vehicles and frisked the passengers and travellers.
Meghalaya continues to be a peaceful state, says CM Conrad Sangma
Meghalaya continues to be a peaceful state with an enabling atmosphere for development and business, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said on Friday.
“We are working with perseverance and dedication to ensure that development reaches every corner of the state and benefits every citizen,” he said and thanked the people of the State for their continued support and collaboration with his government. Addressing the Independence Day celebration after unfurling the national tri-colour at the Polo Grounds, Shillong, the Chief Minister said that Meghalaya is now halfway through our journey toward Vision 2032. “The progress we have made so far gives us every reason to be optimistic about the future” he said, asserting that, “Meghalaya is on the path of progress, and we are all on this glorious journey together.” Stating that his government has identified 10 opportunities to drive growth, the Chief Minister said that he has also made 10 clear commitments to our people which we will deliver by 2032.
“These (10 clear commitments) are improved connectivity and mobility, piped drinking water, reliable power supply, highspeed internet connectivity, housing for all, affordable healthcare, nutrition and early childhood development, joyful and quality learning, effective service delivery and grievance redressal, and a caring and empowering state,” he said.
“We are working on the 10 opportunities, we are promising 10 commitments to the citizens, and we will become one of the top 10 states in the country by 2032. This is the Mission 10 of this government,” the Chief Minister said.
As Meghalaya step into the second half of our journey towards Vision 2032, the Chief Minister urged people to “stay optimistic and be patient”.
“Change takes time, but it is happening. Across the State and in every sector, wonderful things are unfolding, he said.
Reflecting on the past seven and a half years of leading the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance coalition, Sangma said, some of his most cherished memories come from travelling to every corner of our State and connecting with farmers, youth, women, headmen, community leaders and senior citizens. “These experiences have taught me valuable lessons and guided the government’s priorities,” he said, as he envisions: “Meghalaya where youth thrive in global workplaces and build successful enterprises at home; where our farmers’ produce reaches international markets; where our athletes bring home Olympic medals; and where our women are the forefront of progress.”
On the vexed border dispute with Assam, the Chief Minister said a significant milestone has been the advancement made in resolving the long-standing border issues with Assam, guided by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two states.
Following the Chief Minister-level meeting in June this year, Sangma said the construction of the inter-state boundary pillar in the Hahim area has been completed, and steady progress is being made in other locations.
“This marks a notable progress toward a lasting resolution and cooperation between the two neighbouring states,” he said. (Correspondent)
Committed to protect cultural identity
of indigenous communities: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday vowed to intensify efforts to protect the state’s indigenous communities and their cultural identity, linking the move to his government’s ongoing eviction drives.
Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati, Sarma said his administration had cleared encroachments from 1.2 lakh bighas — more than 16,000 hectares — of land, describing the action as part of a broader campaign against what he termed “land jihad.” Without naming any group directly, the Chief Minister suggested that demographic changes in lower and central Assam were driven by “unknown” people, who were now targeting upper and north Assam. “We have declared war on their aggression. We will evict them from every piece of grazing land, tribal belt and government land,” he said.
Sarma maintained that the recent delimitation of assembly constituencies was carried out to secure Assam’s political landscape for indigenous residents “for many decades to come.”
He warned that if the trend continued unchecked, indigenous communities risked losing their “jati, mati, bheti” — community, land, and homeland — within a decade. “If this situation persists, 80 per cent of the state’s ministers could belong to them in 15 years, and within two decades the Independence Day flag could be hoisted by an unknown chief minister,” Sarma claimed.
The Chief Minister alleged that the group in question had already established dominance in the construction sector and was attempting to gain political influence after “almost capturing economic power.”
He called on young people and Assamese citizens to resist compromise, framing the struggle as one for self-determination rather than an armed confrontation.
“We will not be finished. We will fight for survival,” Sarma declared, taking a symbolic pledge under the national tricolour.
Meanwhile, CM Sarma reiterated his government’s commitment to rapid industrialisation, saying the push is aimed at creating jobs for the state’s youth rather than serving large corporate houses.
Atmanirbhar Tripura’ is our govt’s main mantra: CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Saturday that like the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission, ‘Atmanirbhar Tripura’ is the main mantra of the state government.
Hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration at the Assam Rifles ground, the Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ is not a government programme, it’s a mass movement now.
He announced that the state government has adopted the ‘Vocal for Local’ strategy, giving priority to purchase and promote local products.
“Through the combined efforts, we want to make a ‘Atmanirbhar Tripura’ and self-reliant of each citizen. Through innovation, India will take to the global arena in artificial intelligence, space exploration, biotechnology and the renewable energy sector,” Saha said. He said that during 2023-24, Tripura’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) increased by 12.46 per cent, securing second position among the eight northeastern states.
As per NITI Aayog index, Tripura is now one of the front runner states in the country, Saha said, adding that the state government has adopted ‘Agar Wood Policy’ in 2021 leading to flourishing to Agar industry in the state during the ‘Rising North-East Summit’ held in May in Delhi, 64 MoUs were signed to invest over Rs 15,642 crore in diverse sectors.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in various programmes in different parts of the country, highlighted the state’s remarkable development over the past seven years under the current BJP government.
Highlighting women’s empowerment in the state, he said that there are over 55,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) now active in the rural and urban areas of Tripura, involving around six lakh women who are earning their livelihood through diverse sectors.
The government has given these SHGs more than Rs 779 crore as revolving funds, Saha said, adding that funds are also being given from banks.
Among the six lakh SHG members in Tripura, as many as 1,08,281 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units, the Chief Minister said. He said that beyond financial success, these ‘Lakhpati Didis’ inspire others by adopting sustainable livelihood practices and achieving a decent standard of living.
The SHGs support the women to become ‘Lakhpati Didi’ with collective action, financial literacy, and skill development, empowering members for entrepreneurial ventures.
A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is an SHG member with an annual household income exceeding Rs 1 lakh.
Saha, who also holds the Education portfolio, said that by successfully implementing the ‘ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme’, Tripura’s literacy rate has now increased to 95.6 per cent, making the state as third literate state in India after Mizoram and Goa.
He said that Tripura has achieved the recognition of a fully literate state, which is a matter of great pride for the people of the state.
Arunachal CM urges people to buy local products to boost economy
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday urged people to buy locally produced items to boost the Indian economy.
Hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, the Chief Minister said, “Let us support our farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Every Swadeshi choice strengthens our economy and our people.” He said that India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world and rapidly advancing to become the third-largest.
“India’s leadership resonates across international forums, shaping global conversations. As the leading voice of the Global South, we draw strength from the trust the world places in India and our Prime Minister. Our voice is no longer confined within our borders,” CM Khandu said.
He said that the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and ‘Operation Mahadev’ reflects India’s collective resolve. Every life matters, and the government will protect every Indian and the country’s borders with strength and determination. Terror has no place in the land of Gandhi, and India would never remain silent in the face of cowardly attacks on innocent citizens, CM Khandu said.
Noting that Arunachal Pradesh has a unique and sacred role to play in India’s march as a global leader, the Chief Minister said: “For us, this is not just a moment of growth; it is a call to preserve and promote our rich indigenous traditions, languages, cultures, and crafts.
As we shape a Viksit Arunachal, we must strike a beautiful balance – a symphony between ancient wisdom and modern progress.”
Informing that this year marks a historic milestone – the Golden Jubilee of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, he said that it is more than just a celebration of 50 years; it is a shining symbol of our democratic spirit and collective resilience.
Over the past decade, Arunachal Pradesh has made remarkable economic strides, the Chief Minister said, adding that the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has increased by 166 per cent and the state’s resources have grown remarkably by 384 per cent, reflecting strong fiscal health. Per capita income has more than doubled, rising by 105 per cent, proving that development is reaching the people and lives are improving across the state, he stated.
“Through ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ and ‘Seva Aapke Dwar 2.0’, we have taken the government straight to the doorstep of the people. Over 15 lakh citizens have received scheme benefits through 1,100 plus outreach camps.”
Announcing that on September 3, Arunachal Pradesh would host the North East Aviation Summit in Itanagar, CM Khandu said that this landmark event would be a major milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s aviation journey, and it would unlock new investment and connectivity opportunities.
Mentioning that the state government has introduced ‘Arunachal Pradesh State Youth Policy 2025’, the Chief Minister said that through this dynamic roadmap, “we will get quality education, sustainable jobs, skills hubs, healthy lifestyles, sports and adventure, cultural expression, preservation of heritage, and youth leadership”.
The Chief Minister announced that the government aspired to make Arunachal Pradesh the Orchid Capital of the World by building a complete orchid value chain from cultivation to global markets.
“Arunachal Pradesh, by virtue of its immense hydropower potential, also holds India’s largest capacity for generating carbon credits – a powerful tool in mitigating climate impact. With the global carbon trading market projected to reach over $10 trillion, we are strategically positioning Arunachal Pradesh at the forefront of this green economy,” CM Khandu stated.
Mizoram CM urges people to support PM Modi’s efforts to safeguard independence
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday urged the people to continue supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their efforts to safeguard the nation’s independence, uphold unity and integrity, and maintain the state’s position as one of the most peaceful states.
Hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration at the Assam Rifles ground, the Chief Minister said that a special unit called ‘Mizo Diaspora Cell’ was established within the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to assist Mizos living outside the country. “We have also launched the ‘Mizo Diaspora Hub’ portal to connect with the Mizo people across the world,” he said.
Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, said that the establishment of a ‘Mizo Territorial Army’ has been approved, with two companies to be raised initially. The recruitment process is ongoing. Plans are in place to recruit 300 Mizo youths into the Border Security Force (BSF). Through the MYC (Mizoram Youth Commission), five Mizo youths have already been recruited into the British Army, and we remain hopeful for more opportunities, he said.
The Chief Minister said that due to increasing challenges in receiving foreign aid, “we have to seek alternate ways to look after drug abusers. We have revived ‘Ruihlo Dotu Pawl’ (Anti-Drugs Squad), the core committee, after two years.
Plans are being made to coordinate with churches and other organisations. Noting that Mizoram has been declared as the first fully literate state in India, Lalduhoma said that school textbooks have also been laminated and distributed in a timely manner.
He told the gathering that the government has purchased five key agricultural products — Broom, Turmeric, Mizo Chilli, Rice Hull and Ginger.
“There are no issues in buying and selling of Mizo Chilli; support price given to 400 quintals of Turmeric, and we have procured 1472 quintals of Rice Hull,” the Chief Minister said.
He said that under the CM’s Rubber Mission, 1,000 hectares and 2,000 hectares of new plantations are planned under Phase-1 and Phase-2, respectively. A total of 100 rubber-tapping machines will be distributed to different clusters (zau).
Under the Handholding initiative, Rs 2.5 crore has been invested in the “Empowering Mizoram Sports” programme, aimed at supporting Mizo youths who may represent India in the 2036 Olympics.
For the first time, national-level sports conclaves and international half-marathons have been held in Mizoram, Lalduhoma said.
Informing that the Credit-Deposit Ratio in Mizoram remains very low, meaning banks do not lend enough locally, the Chief Minister said the state government requested banks to lend more locally early this year, resulting in the CD ratio slowly improving.
“We would not be a mute spectator and would continue to pressure banks to improve this,” he stated.
The 79th Independence Day was celebrated across Mizoram through various functions and events.
Sikkim CM highlights state’s progress, pledges continued growth
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang delivered a message of pride, unity, and optimism as he addressed citizens here on the 79th Independence Day celebrations on Friday.
Extending warm greetings to the people, he paid tribute to the countless freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured the nation’s sovereignty, urging citizens to carry forward their legacy with renewed determination.
Recalling a defining chapter in Sikkim’s history, the Chief Minister noted that May 16, 1975, marked the state’s integration into the Indian Union as the 22nd state – a milestone that ushered in democratic governance, modern institutions, and new development opportunities.
This year, Sikkim is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of that historic event.
“Over the past five decades, Sikkim has transformed into a shining beacon of progress, earning its place among the most forward-looking and progressive states in India,” he said.
Citing achievements, the Chief Minister highlighted that Sikkim ranks second nationally in per capita income and sixth in the Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.762.
In the latest NITI Aayog Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) assessment, the state achieved an overall composite score of 76, placing it among the country’s top performers.
Between 2018 and 2023–24, Sikkim attained “front-runner” status in multiple development indicators, maintaining steady growth and low levels of deprivation.
The CM attributed this success to a balanced approach toward sustainable development and equitable growth.
He emphasised that Sikkim’s greatest strength lies in the collective will of its people – farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, teachers, students, sportspersons, artists, and public servants – whose combined efforts shape the state’s destiny.
The Chief Minister also lauded the state’s award recipients, recognising their dedication, talent, and hard work in bringing glory to Sikkim.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a Viksit Bharat alongside a Sunaulo, Samriddha and Samartha Sikkim – a golden, prosperous, and self-reliant state where every citizen can “dream without limits, aspire without fear, and achieve without barriers”.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister once again extended heartfelt Independence Day greetings, calling on citizens to unite in purpose and work collectively towards a brighter future for the state and the nation.