India

New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union ministers on Friday extended warm greetings to the people of Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion of their Statehood Days, praising the states’ cultural richness, natural beauty, and contributions to national progress.

In separate posts on X, PM Modi highlighted the unique characteristics of each state:

For Mizoram, he wrote, “Greetings to the people of Mizoram on their Statehood Day. Mizoram is widely known for its striking natural beauty and enduring cultural traditions. Its strong community spirit and gracious people embody values of kindness and compassion. The rich Mizo heritage, expressed through tradition, music and other aspects of everyday life, is very inspiring. May Mizoram advance on the path of growth and achieve new milestones in the years ahead.”

On Arunachal Pradesh, the Prime Minister said, “Warm wishes to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion of their Statehood Day. Blessed with majestic landscapes and an extraordinary cultural diversity, Arunachal Pradesh stands as a shining example of harmony between tradition and nature. Its spirited and industrious citizens play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s progress. At the same time, the state’s diverse tribal ethos adds immense richness to our nation. May the state continue to scale new heights of development in the times to come.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings.

On X, he posted for Arunachal Pradesh, “Greetings to the people of Arunachal Pradesh on Statehood Day. Praying for the continued progress of the state while nurturing its rich cultural heritage and natural endowments.”

For Mizoram, he wrote, “Warm wishes to the sisters and brothers of Mizoram on Statehood Day. May the state continue its journey of peace, progress, and prosperity.”

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju joined the celebration, tweeting for Arunachal Pradesh: “Warm wishes to all my dear sisters & brothers of Arunachal Pradesh on Statehood Day. From NEFA to Union Territory in 1972 & achieving statehood in 1987, our journey reflects resilience & determination. May this proud chapter continue to guide us towards greater progress, unity and success.”

For Mizoram, Rijiju added, “Warm greetings to the lovely people of Mizoram on Statehood Day. Your vibrant culture, unity and strength make this beautiful state truly special. May Mizoram continue to progress with harmony & prosperity.”

These messages collectively emphasised the Northeast states’ cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and the vital role their citizens play in India’s development.

Leaders expressed hopes for continued growth, harmony, and prosperity in both Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the unique identity and enduring spirit of northeastern region.

--IANS

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Guwahati, Feb 20 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Shillong, Dr Ricky A.J. Syngkon, remembering him as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the people of Meghalaya.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister said he was saddened by the passing of Dr Syngkon and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and supporters.

“Saddened by the passing of Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon. He will be remembered for his dedicated service to the people of Meghalaya. My thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” PM Modi wrote.

Shillong Member of Parliament Ricky A.J. Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) passed away on Thursday evening after suddenly falling ill while playing football, triggering widespread shock and grief across Meghalaya’s political spectrum.

Dr Syngkon had gone to play football with friends on Thursday evening at a playground in Mawlai Mawiong.

During the match, he reportedly collapsed on the field, prompting immediate concern among those present. He was swiftly rushed by his friends to the nearby Mawiong Community Health Centre (CHC) for emergency medical attention. However, due to the absence of a doctor at the facility at that time, he was referred to a higher medical centre. He was subsequently shifted to Dr H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw for advanced treatment.

Doctors said that despite efforts by the medical team, Dr Syngkon succumbed shortly after being admitted. He was declared dead at around 8.42 p.m., leaving supporters, colleagues and residents of the state stunned by the sudden loss.

Following the news of his death, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, along with several legislators, senior political leaders and party workers, rushed to the hospital to pay their respects and console family members.

Dr Syngkon, a first-time Member of Parliament, had emerged as a prominent political figure after registering a landslide victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Contesting on a VPP ticket, he had defeated three-time Congress MP Vincent H. Pala by a massive margin of over 3.7 lakh votes, a result that marked a significant shift in Meghalaya’s political landscape.

Known for his grassroots connect and advocacy on issues concerning indigenous rights, governance and transparency, Dr Syngkon’s sudden demise has created a void in state and national politics, particularly within the VPP.

Leaders across party lines expressed deep condolences, remembering him as a committed public representative with a promising political future.

The state government is likely to issue further details regarding last rites and official condolence arrangements.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday departed from Lucknow airport for the Sultanpur District Court in Uttar Pradesh amid heavy security to record his statement in a defamation case linked to remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

According to party leaders, Gandhi was scheduled to reach the civil court around 10.50 a.m. Congress Uttar Pradesh State President Ajay Rai said, “He has to go to the Sultanpur court. The date is today, and he will personally appear in court. Many people, including party workers, are coming and will meet him.”

Congress leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh added, “Rahul Gandhi is about to arrive in Lucknow from Delhi airport. From here, he will go to the Sultanpur court to appear in a case and participate in the proceedings. After that, he will return to Lucknow and then fly back to Delhi.”

The appearance comes after Gandhi did not attend a previous hearing before the MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on January 19, prompting the court to fix February 20 as the next date.

The defamation case was filed in October 2018 by local BJP member Vijay Mishra from the Hanumanganj area in Kotwali Dehat, Sultanpur district. Mishra alleged that during a campaign in Karnataka in August 2018, Gandhi made derogatory remarks about Amit Shah, who was then the BJP president. The complainant cited Rahul Gandhi's statement, during which he had said that while the BJP professes a commitment to honest and clean politics, it is led by a “party president who is an accused in a murder case”.

The court in Sultanpur granted bail to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in February 2024 in the case.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticised the Congress leader, saying, “His irresponsible behaviour, anti-India statements, and criticism of India’s development clearly reflect his mindset, that he has developed an anti-India mentality. It is hard to understand whether he stands with India or against it.”

Security was tightened in and around the court premises as party workers gathered in support of the Congress leader.

--IANS

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Patna, Feb 20 (IANS) A man was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Bihar's Begusarai, said police on Friday.

The body was found in Dhanpad Bahiyar, under the jurisdiction of Manjhaul police station, triggering panic and tension in the area on Thursday evening, an official said.

According to information, the police station received a report on February 19 about a body lying in an open field in Dhanpad Bahiyar.

Senior officers were immediately informed, following which police personnel rushed to the spot and began an intensive investigation.

After questioning villagers and family members present at the scene, the deceased was identified as Ganesh Kumar (30), son of Ramjivan Singh, a resident of Ward No. 10, Manjhaul Panchayat-02, under Manjhaul police station limits.

Family members stated that Ganesh Kumar had left home at around 11.00 p.m. on February 18 and did not return.

His body was discovered the following morning, plunging the family into shock and grief. The family has alleged that Ganesh Kumar was beaten to death by unidentified persons, though the motive and perpetrators remain unknown.

As news spread, a large number of villagers gathered at the site.

Considering the seriousness of the incident, Begusarai Superintendent of Police Manish reached the spot along with Manjhaul police personnel and conducted a thorough inspection of the surrounding area.

A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) was called to the scene, which collected scientific evidence to aid the investigation.

After completing legal formalities, the police took custody of the body and sent it to Sadar Hospital, Begusarai, for post-mortem examination.

Following the autopsy, the body was handed over to the family.

Superintendent of Police Manish later met the bereaved family and issued necessary instructions to the investigation team.

Meanwhile, a police team led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Naveen Kumar said the police officials are probing the case from all angles.

Police officials stated that further legal action will be taken after the post-mortem report is received, and assured that efforts are underway to resolve the case at the earliest.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin will undertake a three-day visit to Gujarat from Friday (February 20 to 22), during which he will attend a series of organisational meetings and public engagements in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

This would be Nabin's first visit to the state after assuming charge as the party's national president, Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma said announcing the programme at a press conference.

Nabin will arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, where party leaders and workers will receive him.

Later in the afternoon, he will interact with Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly at GSC Bank in Naranpura, Ahmedabad. In the evening, he is scheduled to attend a 'Budget Meet' in Infocity, Gandhinagar, where he will engage with industrialists, chartered accountants, entrepreneurs, doctors and representatives of various associations.

On February 21 at 6:00 am, Nabin will visit the Sabarmati Riverfront, where he is expected to participate in outreach activities and interact with local residents.

At 8:45 am, he will offer prayers at the historic Bhadrakali Mata Temple in Ahmedabad.

He will later address state office-bearers, organisational leaders and party workers at the BJP state headquarters in Gandhinagar, followed by a meeting with the party’s social media team.

In the afternoon, he will speak at the Young Voice Summit at GIFT City, described as India's first International Financial Tech City, and interact with young entrepreneurs and start-up founders.

In the evening, he will address a booth workers' conference at GMDC Hall in Ahmedabad.

On February 22, Nabin will attend a public listening session of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, in Khadia, Ahmedabad, at 10:45 am.

He is scheduled to depart for Delhi later that afternoon.

Vishwakarma said the BJP is a cadre-based party committed to its ideology. "The rise of leaders such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are examples of workers rising through the organisation," he said.

He added that Nabin, at 45, is the youngest national president in the party's history and that the visit would focus on strengthening organisational coordination and public engagement in the state.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Joint Regional Official Language Conference (Rajbhasha Sammelan) of the Eastern, North-Eastern and Northern regions of the country in Agartala on Friday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) Department of Official Language Secretary, Anshuli Arya, said that more than 3,000 senior officials, representatives and experts from Central government offices, public sector undertakings and banks from the Northern, Eastern and North-Eastern regions of the country will participate in the conference.

She said that officials, representatives and experts from around 20 states will attend the conference, which is the first of its kind in Tripura.

The participating states include West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand from the Eastern region; Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim from the Northeastern region; and Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from the Northern region.

Arya said that artificial intelligence and modern technologies would play a vital role in addressing language-related challenges.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah always speak in easy and simple Hindi for the benefit of the common people. Even the Union Home Minister, while writing letters, uses the official language of the respective states," she told the media.

She said the Union government has always emphasised the use of Hindi and 22 other Indian languages, including local languages, to strengthen the country's cultural roots.

The Department of Official Language under the MHA has taken several initiatives to promote the wider use of Hindi and other Indian languages across the country.

"There is no question of imposing a major language like Hindi on local or other Indian languages," the official said.

Arya said that during the conference, 80 Regional Official Language Awards for the year 2024-25 will be presented to Central government offices, banks and undertakings for exemplary implementation of the Official Language Policy.

Selected City Official Language Implementation Committees will also be honoured with the Nagar Rajbhasha Karyanvayan Samiti (NARAKAS) Rajbhasha Samman.

The awardees are selected on the basis of quarterly progress reports submitted through the official information management system and will receive certificates and shields, Arya added.

The inaugural session to be held on Friday will also witness the release of the Northeast Special Issue of Rajbhasha Bharati, prepared by the Department of Official Language.

In addition, the books "Indian Languages and the Official Language Hindi – Timeless Works" and "Timeless Inspiring Verses of Amritvani Sanskrit" will be released on the occasion.

An exhibition showcasing innovations, best practices and activities related to official language implementation will be set up at the venue by various banks, literary institutions and other organisations.

As part of the programme, a yoga session aimed at promoting a healthy and stress-free lifestyle among officials is being organised on Thursday.

The session will include simple asanas, pranayama and stress-management exercises under the guidance of experienced instructors.

The Department of Official Language was established as an independent department on June 26, 1975, with the objective of effective implementation of constitutional provisions related to Hindi, the official language of the Union in the Devanagari script.

The Department organises four regional official language conferences every financial year to review progress and promote the use of Hindi in official work.

This conference is the second joint regional conference of the financial year 2025–26, following the first held at Devi Ahilya University in Indore.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 20 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified the electoral registration officers (EROs) and assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) “guilty” of “deliberately” delaying the process of uploading of identity documents received during the hearing sessions on claims and objections on the draft voters’ list in West Bengal.​

Sources in the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) claimed that 120 and 150 EROs and AEROs have been found “guilty”. However, ECI has not yet officially given the number of EROs and AEROs involved. ​

“Some EROs and AEROs have been found deliberately keeping the process of document uploading pending even five days after the expiry of the extended deadline for hearing sessions on February 14,” sources claimed. ​

The source also claimed that, due to this deliberately lackadaisical approach to document uploading, a large number of voters’ documents have yet to be uploaded to the system.​

“Unless these documents are uploaded, their scrutiny process would not be possible. In such a situation, it is highly doubtful whether the current deadline of completing the scrutiny process by February 21 will be met,” sources said.​

They added that if the deadline for completing the document scrutiny process is extended, the current scheduled publication date of the final voters’ list on February 28 will also have to be postponed.​

They said that the Commission is determined not to spare the EROs and AEROs found guilty.​

“Actions will be taken against them by the Commission as per provisions of the Representation of the People Acts, as already being done against two EROs, nine AEROs, one data-entry operator, and three micro-observers,” sources said.

​--IANS

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Ahmedabad, Feb 19 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a three-man gang involved in a spate of thefts targeting senior citizens, officials said on Thursday.​

The accused allegedly offered elderly passengers rides in an autorickshaw and stole cash and gold ornaments during the journeys. The arrests are linked to a case registered at the Sardarnagar police station.

​The accused have been identified as Mohmad Yunus alias Chacha, 46; Imtiyaz alias Kuli, 36; and Sakil, 38, all residents of Ahmedabad. They were apprehended beneath Jamalpur Bridge while travelling in an autorickshaw and found in possession of stolen property.​

The case came to light after a retired SRP police inspector reported being robbed while travelling to his native place to attend a wedding. He was carrying his pension and household gold ornaments at the time.

​Police recovered items, including a gold necklace with a pendant valued at Rs 3,10,000, two gold chains valued at Rs 3,11,000 and Rs 1,56,000, two gold rings valued at Rs 73,000, and cash amounting to Rs 5,28,000. All items belonged to the complainant.​

In total, property worth Rs 15,38,000 was seized, including an autorickshaw valued at Rs 1,50,000 and two mobile phones worth Rs 10,000.

​A Crime Branch official told IANS that the investigation required sustained effort. “It took nearly five days to trace them. We examined CCTV footage extensively and worked on human intelligence inputs,” the official said.

​He added that the absence of a number plate had made identification difficult. “They had removed the number plate from the autorickshaw, which made tracking challenging, but we relied on other investigative methods,” he said.

​According to police, the accused deliberately targeted elderly passengers at pick-up points. “They specifically targeted senior citizens and have been involved in similar offences in the past. It is in connection with the present case that they were apprehended,” the official added, noting that one suspect remains absconding and is believed to be carrying Rs 60,000.

​Officials said the suspects would divert passengers’ attention during the journey to steal valuables from their bags, then drop them off.​

The offence has been registered under Sections 303(2) and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.​

During interrogation, the accused confessed to other similar offences across the city.​

About 15 days ago, they allegedly stole a gold necklace weighing roughly 23.3 grams from a couple at a bus stand in the Vasna area.​

Approximately a month ago, a woman travelling from Naroda Patiya had a pair of earrings and a ring stolen. In another incident around 17 days ago, Rs 1,00,000 in cash was taken from a woman’s bag in the same area, and about one and a quarter months ago, Rs 50,000 in cash was allegedly stolen from a passenger in the Jashodanagar neighbourhood.​

Police records indicate that the accused have prior cases registered against them, with Chacha facing four cases, Imtiyaz (2), and Sakil (1). Further investigation is ongoing.​

--IANS

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Bhopal, Feb 19 (IANS) A man allegedly attacked two women with a sword following a dispute over stray dogs in Shravan Kanta Colony in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal, police said on Thursday.

Both women sustained serious injuries in the attack. One of the victims suffered deep cut wounds to her stomach, while the other sustained injuries to her hand.

They were admitted to a hospital and are undergoing treatment. The injured women were identified as Vandana Sen and Laxmi Thakur, residents of Shravan Kanta Colony under the Ayodhya Nagar police station limits.

Police said the incident was linked to an ongoing dispute over stray dogs in the locality. Residents had earlier complained about the growing nuisance caused by stray dogs, stating that the animals frequently chased pedestrians, barked aggressively, and posed a threat to children and elderly residents.

Following these complaints, a dog squad from the municipal corporation had visited the area a few days earlier and captured stray dogs for sterilisation. After completing the required procedures, the dogs were released back into the locality.

According to police, a local resident, Ashok Chauhan, allegedly brought some of the stray dogs back into the colony and continued feeding them. This was opposed by several residents, including the injured women, who protested against the presence of stray dogs in the residential area on Thursday.

During the protest, an argument broke out between Chauhan, who reportedly described himself as a dog lover, and the protesting residents. The situation escalated, and Chauhan allegedly returned with a sword and attacked the two women, causing serious injuries.

Upon receiving information, police reached the spot and registered a case in connection with the incident. “An FIR has been registered against Ashok Chauhan and some other persons, and search operations are underway. All the accused will be arrested soon,” said Ayodhya Nagar police station SHO Mahesh Lillare.

Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the sequence of events and identify all persons involved in the attack.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over stray dog-related issues in Bhopal.

The matter was recently raised in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly during the ongoing budget session, with Bhopal MLA Atif Aqeel highlighting the increasing number of stray dogs and dog bite incidents in the city.

--IANS

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Itanagar, Feb 19 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, on Thursday, held discussions with a visiting Japanese delegation to explore potential investments in the state, officials said.

A state government official said the talks focused on investment opportunities across priority sectors, with special emphasis on sustainable urban development, innovation, and initiatives to deepen people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges.

Addressing the Japanese delegation, Chief Minister Khandu said that Arunachal Pradesh is keen to partner with Japan in advancing innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Taking to social media platform X, CM Khandu said: "Welcomed Japanese delegates to Arunachal Pradesh to explore investment and cooperation across key sectors and urban development. We also discussed greater people-to-people engagement and exchanged initiatives. Looking forward to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership."

Deputy Chief Minister Mein, in a separate X post, said that he was glad to join the Chief Minister in welcoming the Japanese delegation and described the interaction as meaningful and forward-looking.

"The discussions focused on strategic investments in priority sectors, particularly sustainable urban development and strengthening people-to-people connect and vibrant exchange initiatives. Arunachal Pradesh is ready to partner with Japan in shaping a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity," Deputy CM Mein said, adding that the engagement marked an important step towards a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Khandu was on an official visit to Japan in October last year, during which he held a series of meetings in Tokyo aimed at expanding cultural and economic cooperation between India and Japan.

During the visit, Chief Minister Khandu met Yasutoshi Nishimura, Member of Japan's House of Representatives and Chairman of Japan-India Parliamentary Friendship League, to discuss strengthening cultural ties and exploring avenues for development cooperation.

He also held discussions with Toshiaki Nishikawa, Chairman and CEO of ASEAN Group Co. Limited, who expressed commitment to enhancing the Indian workforce presence in Japan through Japanese language learning and skill development initiatives.

The Chief Minister further visited Sophia University and the Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in higher education, technology, and disaster management.

Officials said that the Chief Minister Khandu's Japan visit was part of Arunachal Pradesh's broader strategy to attract foreign investment, strengthen cultural ties, and learn from Japan's expertise in disaster resilience, energy efficiency, and rural development.

--IANS

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