Centre Targets 2029 to End Northeast Insurgency

 

New Delhi, April 27:

Following sustained success in curbing Left-Wing Extremism, particularly against groups such as the Communist Party of India (Maoist), People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, and Maoist Communist Centre, the Centre has redirected its security focus toward ending insurgency in Northeast India, setting an ambitious deadline of 2029. The initiative will begin with Manipur as the primary focus area.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the government plans to redeploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), particularly specialized units like the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), from former Maoist-affected regions to insurgency-affected northeastern states including Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. The phased redeployment is expected to commence after the West Bengal Assembly Elections and the Amarnath Yatra later this year.

Officials indicated that Manipur remains the most affected state, accounting for 77% of all insurgency-related incidents in the Northeast in 2024. Of the 16 active insurgent groups across the region, 8 are based in Manipur, followed by 3 in Assam, 2 each in Meghalaya and Tripura, and 1 in Nagaland. The state recorded 226 insurgency-related cases last year, the highest in the region.

Security preparations are already underway, including the deployment of mine-protected and bulletproof vehicles to sensitive districts such as Ukhrul. In parallel, the Centre has directed the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) to intensify crackdowns on drug trafficking networks, which are believed to finance insurgent activities.

The Centre’s strategy combines targeted security operations, force redistribution, and strengthened anti-narcotics measures, with the goal of making the Northeast insurgency-free by 2029.

Lhakpa Tsering Wins Mr Arunachal 2026; Nabam Tada, Vivek Sangcho Named Runners-Up

 

Itanagar, February 24, 2026:

The 8th edition of Mr Arunachal concluded with Lhakpa Tsering being crowned Mr Arunachal 2026, marking a major milestone in the state’s premier male pageant that celebrates confidence, fitness, and cultural pride. Nabam Tada secured the 1st Runner Up position, while Vivek Sangcho finished as the 2nd Runner Up after an intense finale that evaluated contestants on personality, stage presence, grooming, and overall performance.

Apart from the top three winners, several participants were honoured with special titles recognising individual excellence. Kamin Tali was awarded Mr Talent, while Lidak Geyi received the Mr Photogenic title. Lobsang Gengla earned Mr Best Physique, and Techi Loyen Tara won Mr Best Costume for his standout presentation. Vivek Sangcho also claimed the Mr Viewers Choice title, with Nabam Tada being recognised as Mr Fitness. Keni Kamum was named Mr Best Walk, and Kadom Nopi received the Mr Civic Sense award.

Organisers described this season as more than just a competition, highlighting it as a celebration of confidence, personality, discipline, and the true Arunachali spirit. The successful completion of the 8th edition further strengthened Mr Arunachal’s reputation as a growing platform promoting leadership, self-development, and cultural representation among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.

Congress MP Bimol Akoijam Slams Racial Harassment of Arunachal Women, Seeks Strong Action

 

New Delhi, February 23, 2026:

Congress MP from Inner Manipur, A. Bimol Akoijam, has strongly condemned the recent racial harassment faced by three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, describing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of discrimination against people from Northeast India.

Speaking during a press briefing, Akoijam highlighted the repeated instances of racial bias experienced by youths from the region in metropolitan cities across the country. He demanded strong and exemplary action against the accused, stating that strict measures are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

The MP also drew attention to what he described as a deeper structural issue, pointing out the limited presence of Northeast India’s history, society, and culture in school textbooks. According to him, the absence of comprehensive representation contributes to a lack of awareness among large sections of mainland India, making the region and its people largely invisible in the national narrative.

Calling for awareness and sensitivity, Akoijam urged authorities, educational institutions, and civil society to work collectively towards combating racism and promoting inclusivity. The incident has sparked renewed debate on representation, education, and the safety of Northeast communities across India.

Manipuri Film ‘Boong’ Wins BAFTA, Director Appeals for Peace

London, February 22, 2026

In a landmark moment for Indian cinema, the Manipuri-language film Boong won the BAFTA award in the Best Children’s & Family Film category, surpassing international nominees including Lilo and Stitch, Arco and Zootropolis 2. The victory highlights the growing global recognition of stories emerging from Northeast India.

Debutant director Lakshmipriya Devi delivered an emotional acceptance speech after receiving the trophy from Paddington Bear, the lead character from the West End show Paddington The Musical. She was joined on stage by producers Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, along with assistant director Rahul Sharda.

Using the platform to address ongoing unrest in Manipur, Devi called for peace and expressed hope that internally displaced children — including young actors involved in the film — would regain their joy, innocence and dreams. She emphasised forgiveness as a powerful human strength and thanked BAFTA for offering a global stage to share that message.

Starring Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam, Boong first premiered in the Discovery section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. The film later travelled to several major festivals worldwide, including the Warsaw International Film Festival 2024, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.

19-Year-Old Student from Tripura Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by Live-In Partner in Gurugram

 

Gurugram, February 19, 2026:

A 19-year-old student from Tripura was allegedly subjected to a brutal assault by her live-in partner at a flat in Gurugram’s Badshahpur area. The accused, identified as Shivam from Delhi’s Narela, has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita after an FIR was registered on February 19.

According to police, the woman is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi and was initially declared unfit to give a statement due to the severity of her injuries.

In her statement, the survivor alleged that the accused beat her with a steel bottle, smashed her head against a wall, and struck her with an earthen pot. He also allegedly poured sanitiser on her private parts and attempted to set them on fire, attacked her legs with a knife, and threatened to leave her unable to walk or become a mother. She further claimed that he recorded explicit videos of her during the assault.

The incident reportedly took place on February 16. Two days later, on February 18, the woman managed to call her mother using the accused’s phone and informed her about the assault in a local language. Her mother then alerted the police, after which the woman was rescued and taken to hospital. Investigations are ongoing.

Three Arunachal Women Allege Racial Abuse; FIR Filed in Delhi

 

New Delhi, February 21, 2026:

An alleged case of racial harassment involving three women from Arunachal Pradesh has been reported in Malviya Nagar after a minor dispute inside a residential building escalated into a confrontation.

The incident reportedly took place on the evening of February 19, when drilling work was underway in a fourth-floor apartment during an air-conditioner repair. Residents living on the first floor objected after dust and debris allegedly fell into their area, leading to an argument between both sides.

According to the complainants, the disagreement intensified and the accused allegedly made offensive and racially insensitive remarks directed at them and people from the Northeastern region. The women claimed that stereotypes and inappropriate comments about their profession and personal lives were used during the exchange.

Police were called to the scene, and sources said an FIR has been registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station. The case is now under formal investigation, while the Special Police Unit for North-Eastern Region (SPUNER) is said to be monitoring developments. Authorities indicated that appropriate action will be taken and efforts are being made to ensure justice.

The women also stated that a building broker later informed them that they would need to vacate the flat within two months due to proposed construction work. However, they alleged that other residents were unaware of any such plans, raising further concerns about the situation.

The complainants have demanded a public apology from the accused, saying the remarks were not only directed at them but were offensive to the wider Northeastern community. The incident has renewed discussion about the challenges and discrimination faced by people from the region in major metropolitan areas.

Assam Youth Goes Viral After Tattooing Portraits of Favourite Political Leaders

 

Margherita, February 15, 2026:

A young man from Assam’s Margherita has become the talk of the town after turning his admiration for political leaders into permanent body art, quite literally.

Manab Moran, a resident of Brahmajan in Pengeri, has grabbed attention for tattooing portraits of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and local MLA Bhaskar Sharma across his body. Adding to the buzz, locals say Moran has also placed photographs of the two leaders, along with Minister Pijush Hazarika, inside his home temple.

For Moran, the tattoos go beyond fashion or trend; he describes them as symbols of deep respect and emotional connection. While some residents see his gesture as an extreme show of loyalty, others simply call it a bold example of personal expression mixed with political enthusiasm.

Love it or question it, Moran’s unusual tribute has sparked lively conversations both on the streets of Margherita and across social media, turning him into an unexpected viral sensation.