Normal life across Manipur was brought to a near standstill on Saturday during a 24-hour general strike imposed by a coalition of proscribed underground groups, disrupting Independence Day celebrations and leading to a boycott of the 80th Independence Day.
The shutdown, which started at midnight on August 14, was led by the Coordination Committee (CorCom).
During a live online broadcast of his Independence Day address, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma allegedly received a death threat from a Facebook account, according to reports. The account, reportedly operated by an individual identified as Abdul Mutaleb, posted the threat while the programme was being streamed.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the creation of eight new sub-districts on August 15, coinciding with the state’s 80th Independence Day celebrations. The new administrative units will be Kamalpur, Barhampur, Rangnadi, Chichibargaon, Chabua-Lahowal, Khumtai, Katigorah and Barkhola.
Sarma stated that the decision aims to enhance administration at the local level.
Concerns have emerged regarding the land use, infrastructure, and affiliation status of two educational institutions situated on a shared campus in Dibrugarh, Assam. The Marwari Hindi High School, founded in 1936 and over a century old, operates from the premises. Meanwhile, Agraasen Academy, established in 1999, also functions from a portion of the same building.
Questions focus on the arrangements between the two schools, particularly relating to their shared use of land and facilities, as well as the status of Agraasen Academy’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliation.
The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) has called on state and central authorities to urgently repair and upgrade the Imphal-Jiribam road (NH-37) in Manipur to proper national highway standards. TDC President Hijam Ranjit warned that extended delays in repair work could disrupt transport services further, leading to inflation and severe shortages of essential goods throughout Manipur. NH-37, which connects Imphal to other regions, plays a vital role in the state’s supply chain.
The severe floods that struck Assam and nearby states in 2026 were exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, deforestation, land degradation, and other local vulnerabilities, according to a new attribution study by World Weather Attribution (WWA). The research indicated that the rainfall during the event remained within historical norms. WWA’s study found no clear evidence that human-caused climate change had altered the flood event.
DOOMDOOMA: A mock parliament held at a school in Tinsukia district, Upper Assam, focused on flood prediction, disaster preparedness, and alleged illegal coal, stone, and sand mining in Nagaland’s hills. The event on Friday featured students from Classes VIII to XII debating Assam’s recurring flood crisis.
The parliament session aimed to raise awareness about these critical issues. The mock parliament took place as the nation prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary.
The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has withdrawn its planned bandh on August 17 after the state government met its demands within the deadline, according to AAPSU President Meje Taku. The union declared it will oppose the next government recruitment process if the new eligibility rules approved by the state Cabinet are not strictly followed.
The Supreme Court has called on all communities in Manipur to remove blockades on national highways, emphasising that such highways serve as an economic lifeline for all groups. A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and JV Mohana requested comprehensive proposals from the Kuki community and others involved. The court ruled out piecemeal approaches to resolving the issue, urging a unified solution.
The Tuli Area Coal Mining Contractors’ Association (TACMCA) has appealed to the public in Assam and Nagaland to refrain from making unverified claims regarding the causes of recent floods and landslides. The association highlighted that the disaster has led to extensive damage affecting lives, homes, livelihoods, property, and public infrastructure. TACMCA emphasised the need for cooperation and careful consideration of verified information in response to the situation.