Mizoram

21 Jan

Mizoram free from ASF pig deaths in January, officials remain cautious

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram has reported no pig deaths due to African Swine Fever (ASF) in January 2025, marking a continuation of a positive trend, according to the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. However, officials remain cautious, warning that the disease could resurface with the onset of warmer weather. Since the outbreak was first reported in Lungsen village, Lunglei district, in March 2021, ASF has claimed over 62,000 pigs, leading to significant economic losses. In 2024 alone, 14,950 pigs succumbed to ASF, while 24,177 were culled as a preventive measure, resulting in losses exceeding ₹330 crore. The cumulative monetary loss due to…

20 Jan

7.16 grams of Heroin seized in Siaha town, two arrested

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Assam Rifles and the Excise and Narcotics Department seized 7.16 grams of Heroin No. 4 worth ₹5.01 lakh in Siaha town, Mizoram, on January 18. Two individuals involved in smuggling the contraband were apprehended during the operation. Based on specific intelligence about drug trafficking from Myanmar into India, an Area Domination Patrol intercepted the suspects in Siaha. Upon searching them, officials discovered the heroin, reportedly being prepared for handover to a local contact. The seized contraband and the accused were handed over to the police for further investigation and legal proceedings. Drug trafficking remains a significant challenge in Mizoram, which…

18 Jan

Mizoram’s ZORO to hold protests against new border restrictions

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO), a Chin-Kuki-Mizo group based in Mizoram, announced plans to stage demonstrations across Aizawl and other parts of the state on January 29. The protests aim to oppose the alleged scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the introduction of a border pass system along the Indo-Myanmar border. ZORO General Secretary L. Ramdinliana Renthlei stated that the organization, representing ethnic Zo or Mizo tribes in India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, convened a meeting chaired by its president, R. Sangkawia. Key issues discussed included the alleged end of the FMR, fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, and the…

17 Jan

Mizoram cyclist Vanlallawmzuala Varte enters India Book of Records

Banasree SarkarMizoramVanlallawmzuala Varte

For his 17,000-kilometer 'Ride to Clean Air', Vanlallawmzuala Varte of Mizoram has been inducted into the India Book of Records. Varte (Lza Varte) achieved the "Highest Elevation Gained on a Bicycle to Spread Awareness of Air Pollution" and the "Shortest Time to Visit All States and Union Territories on a Bicycle to Spread Awareness of Air Pollution." Environmental activist Vanllallawmzuala Varte, 34, began his voyage on January 25, 2024, and he lives in the Mission Veng neighborhood of Aizawl. Lza Varte traveled the entire length of India in 283 days, traversing a variety of difficult terrains, including Umling La, the…

17 Jan

Mizoram to conduct village and local council elections on February 12

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The State Election Commission (SEC) of Mizoram has announced that polling for 544 village councils (VCs) across nine districts and 111 local councils (LCs) in two urban local bodies will take place simultaneously on February 12. State Election Commissioner H Lalthlangliana shared details at a press conference, confirming that vote counting will commence at 7 PM or immediately after polling concludes on the same day. The last date for filing nominations is January 23, with January 27 set as the deadline for withdrawal of candidatures. Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur on January 24. The SEC has mandated that the…

16 Jan

Mizoram CM hosts reception for incoming Governor Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma extended a warm reception to the Governor-Designate of Mizoram, Gen. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd.), and First Lady-Designate Bharti Singh, upon their arrival at Lengpui Airport on January 15. The welcoming ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Speaker Pu Lalbiakzama, Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, and DGP Pu Anil Shukla, reflecting the state’s respect for its incoming Governor. Later in the evening, a formal reception was held at Raj Bhavan, attended by key ministers, including Health Minister Lalrinpuii, Rural Development Minister Prof. Lalnilawma, and Sports Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar.…

15 Jan

Mizoram to conduct village and local council elections in February

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

The Mizoram State Election Commission (SEC) is set to announce the schedule for elections to 544 village councils (VCs) across nine districts and 111 local councils (LCs) in two urban areas on January 16, according to State Election Commissioner H. Lalthlangliana. Preparations for the polls are reportedly in full swing, with the terms of the existing councils expiring on February 19. As per the final voter rolls published on January 8, the 544 VCs have 4,37,708 registered voters, including 2,22,098 women. Additionally, the 87 LCs in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation area have 2,44,726 voters, while the 24 LCs in the…

14 Jan

Two Myanmar nationals arrested in Mizoram with foreign currency worth Rs 1.48 crore

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Two Myanmar nationals were arrested in Mizoram's Siaha district for allegedly attempting to smuggle foreign currency notes worth approximately Rs 1.48 crore. The arrest was made by the Assam Rifles in a joint operation with the Mizoram Police, following intelligence reports on cross-border smuggling activities. The suspects were apprehended on Friday, and authorities seized two mobile phones and a motorcycle from their possession during the operation. The foreign currency notes, which were intended for illegal smuggling, were also confiscated.

13 Jan

Heroin drives 71 drug deaths in Mizoram in 2024

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram recorded 71 drug-related deaths in 2024, including 11 women, according to the Excise and Narcotics Department. This marks a slight decline from 74 fatalities in 2023, but heroin abuse remains the leading cause, spokesperson Peter Zohmingthanga stated on Sunday. Since the first recorded drug-related death in 1984, Mizoram has documented 1,881 fatalities, with 230 being women. The year 2004 witnessed the highest annual toll of 143 deaths. Over the last decade, 564 individuals have succumbed to drug abuse, underscoring the persistent crisis. Mizoram’s strategic location, sharing an 828-km border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, makes it a hotspot for narcotics…

11 Jan

Mizoram plans to boost connectivity with inland water transport, says Vanlalhlana

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Transport Minister Vanlalhlana has emphasized the transformative potential of inland water transport (IWT) in addressing the state's long-standing transportation challenges. Speaking at the Inland Waterway Development Council (IWDC) meeting in Kaziranga, Assam, on January 10, the minister outlined the strategic importance of utilizing waterways to improve connectivity and support economic development. Vanlalhlana noted that Mizoram's hilly terrain poses significant logistical difficulties for the movement of people and goods. "While Mizoram lacks large navigable rivers, effective use of existing waterways can alleviate the transportation burden and enhance connectivity," he said. Chaired by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda…