Mizoram

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…

10 Jan

Durga Das Uikey reviews progress of EMRS in Mizoram

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durga Das Uikey, visited the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) in Tlangnuam, Mizoram, emphasizing the transformative role of education in bridging developmental gaps. During his visit, the Minister inspected the school’s infrastructure and lauded teachers for their dedication to nurturing tribal students. The Tlangnuam EMRS, currently serving 101 students in grades 6 and 7, is nearing completion, with construction at 95%. The facility, managed by DJ Consultancy Services, is expected to be fully operational by March 2025. In a press briefing, Uikey stressed the importance of timely implementation of tribal development projects funded…

07 Jan

Mizoram tightens border security with new pass system

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Security has been strengthened along the 510-km Mizoram-Myanmar border following directives from the Central Government, introducing new regulations for cross-border movement. Residents within 10 kilometers of the unfenced border now require a border pass for visits to either side. The border pass, valid for seven days, is issued to Indian and Myanmarese citizens upon presenting documents verifying their residency within the 10-km zone. This initiative, effective from December 31, involves state police, Assam Rifles, and health officials managing entry and exit points. Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip districts, which share borders with Myanmar's Chin state, are implementing the…

06 Jan

India mandates border pass for Mizoram-Myanmar border residents

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

In a move to enhance border security and regulate cross-border movement, the Indian government has mandated the use of border passes for residents living within 10 kilometers of the Mizoram-Myanmar border. This directive, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), aims to streamline movement across the unfenced 510-km border while ensuring better monitoring. The new system, effective from December 31, applies to six Mizoram districts—Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip—bordering Myanmar's Chin State. Residents from both countries within the 10-km radius must now produce identity proof and obtain a border pass valid for seven days to cross. According…

04 Jan

Zoramthanga encourages staff to prioritize service excellence in 2025

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga called on his office staff to prioritize excellence in public service delivery during a New Year gathering held at the Chief Minister's Conference Hall on January 3. The Chief Minister commended his team for their contributions to the state's progress and urged them to approach 2025 with renewed dedication to governance and innovation.“Our goal must be to enhance service delivery and strive for excellence in all aspects of governance,” Zoramthanga stated. The event featured a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing unity and a fresh start for the year. Key personnel from the CM’s office participated, fostering a spirit…

03 Jan

Mizoram Minister vows strict action against firecracker ban violations

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has pledged strict action against those who violated the firecracker ban during New Year's Eve, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the law.Addressing the media on January 2, Sapdanga expressed satisfaction with the high compliance rate, stating, "We are pleased that over 80% of the public respected the firecracker ban and heeded the appeals of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and churches."Despite the encouraging adherence, Sapdanga lamented isolated violations reported in parts of Aizawl. "It is disappointing that some individuals chose to ignore government orders and community appeals. However, the scale of violations was significantly…

02 Jan

Mizoram faces ₹336 crore loss in 2024 due to African Swine Fever outbreak

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Mizoram’s livestock sector has taken a massive hit, with the state incurring a loss of ₹336.49 crore in 2024 due to the persistent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. The disease, which has devastated the state’s pig population since its onset in 2021, has caused a cumulative loss of ₹896.69 crore over the past four years. The department reported that in 2024 alone, 14,950 pigs succumbed to ASF, while an additional 24,177 were culled to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. The first outbreak was recorded on March 21, 2021,…

31 Dec

Former Army Chief General Vijay Kumar Singh to take charge as Mizoram Governor

Sonakshi SarkarMizoram

Former Army Chief General Vijay Kumar Singh is set to be sworn in as the new governor of Mizoram on January 9, an official confirmed on Monday. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Raj Bhavan, where the oath of office and secrecy will be administered by the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. The event will witness the presence of Chief Minister Lalduhoma, cabinet members, Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama, Deputy Speaker Lalfamkima, Members of Parliament, senior officials, and distinguished guests. General Singh, who was appointed by President Droupadi Murmu last Tuesday, will succeed Hari Babu Kambhampati. Kambhampati has…