‘Shashti Mahotsava’ Celebrated at Manjeshwar Ananteshwar Temple; Grand Brahma Rathotsava Draws Thousands of Devotees

Aizawl/Imphal, Sep 18 (IANS) In a major haul, the security forces have seized drugs valued over Rs 143 crore and arrested three persons in Mizoram and Manipur over the past 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesman said that in a major strike against cross-border narco-trafficking, Assam Rifles, based on specific intelligence, conducted a search operation on Wednesday night near Zote village in Mizoram’s Champhai District, which shares an unfenced border with Myanmar.

During the operation, troops intercepted a suspected individual carrying a consignment. On being challenged, the person abandoned the load and fled into the nearby deep jungle, taking advantage of the terrain. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 34.218 kg of highly addictive and banned methamphetamine tablets valued at over Rs 102.65 crore.

The spokesman said that in another operation, Assam Rifles seized 12 grams of heroin valued at approximately Rs 8.4 lakh at Zemabawk in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Wednesday night.

Acting on specific intelligence about the trafficking of narcotics, a joint operation of Assam Rifles with the Territorial Army, Aizawl, was launched at the Zemabawk areas and during the operation, one suspected drug peddler was intercepted and searched.

During the search of the individual, 12 grams of heroin were recovered from him. The apprehended individual was identified as Lalchchuanmawia (25), a resident of Zote in Champhai District.

The seized narcotics, along with the apprehended individual, have been handed over to the Excise and Narcotics Department, Aizawl, for further investigation. This successful operation underscores Assam Rifles’ unwavering resolve to combat narco-network along the India-Myanmar border, while safeguarding the youth of the Nation from the scourge of drugs, an Assam Rifles statement said.

In Manipur, security forces arrested two suspected drug smugglers and recovered brown sugar and methamphetamine tablets worth around Rs 40 crore.

A police official in Imphal said that the seizure of drugs and the arrests took place in Tengnoupal district, bordering Myanmar, during two separate operations conducted during the past 24 hours.

In the first operation, the security forces intercepted a van at the Naka Check Post in the Tengnoupal police station area.

The driver, Md Nousad (21), a resident of Kakching district, was arrested. Around 50 packets of methamphetamine tablets weighing 10.8 kg, the van, and a mobile phone were seized from him.

The estimated value of the drugs is over Rs 30 crore. Subsequently, security forces intercepted another van at the same checkpost.

The driver, Hengougin Haokip (23), a resident of Kangpokpi district, was arrested. Seized from him were 11 soap cases containing 125 grams of brown Sugar, the vehicle, and a mobile phone. The estimated value of the drugs is over Rs 10 crore.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles seized heroin valued at approximately Rs 20.10 crore in Mizoram.

According to a defence spokesman, acting on specific intelligence about the trafficking of narcotics, an operation was launched on Tuesday night at Thingluang Kai in the Melbuk Road area in Mizoram’s Champhai district and seized 2.462 kg of heroin valued at Rs 20.10 crore.

The latest seizure of drugs was the biggest haul of narcotics after the Mizoram government, on September 1, launched a four-month-long special campaign and anti-drug operation to curb the illegal trade of drugs and their menace.

A variety of drugs, especially highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and heroin and different types of contraband, including exotic animals, are often illegally traded through six districts in Mizoram — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip. These six districts share unfenced borders of 510 km with Myanmar. From Mizoram, these drugs are ferried to other parts of the country and abroad, including Bangladesh, through Assam and Tripura.

–IANS

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Prayagraj, Feb 14 (IANS) In a groundbreaking achievement, 300 sanitation workers at the Maha Kumbh 2025 have made history by securing a Guinness World Record for the first-ever coordinated river cleaning effort.

This unprecedented feat took place at multiple Ganga sectors during the Maha Kumbh festival.

According to the CEO of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Akanksha Rana, this is the world’s first Guinness record for a large-scale river cleaning event involving 300 workers.

She also hinted that more such records will follow as part of the ongoing cleanliness campaign. In total, 15,000 sanitation workers are expected to join the effort in the coming days.

Speaking with IANS, Akanksha Rana said, “Today marks a historic first in the world, where 300 sanitation workers have come together to clean the Ganga at various locations. This initiative aims to send a powerful message to the nation and the world: Keep our rivers and water bodies clean for the safety of all.

“This is just the beginning — further records will be set by the Mela Administration, including the cleaning of the Ganga by 15,000 workers, and street sweeping activities will also be carried out simultaneously at multiple spots.”

Anand Kumar Singh, another prominent figure at the Maha Kumbh Mela, added, “This historic record was made today at Ram Ghat, where sanitation workers and volunteers came together to clean the river. With over 500 million people expected to visit the Mela, cleanliness becomes a paramount issue.

“We launched a large-scale cleanliness campaign, and our workers are diligently cleaning each ghat. Tomorrow, 15,000 workers will join in the effort to ensure cleanliness across the entire event. My message is clear: Contribute to cleanliness wherever you are and pass on the importance of this to future generations.”

Manoj, one of the sanitation workers, expressed his pride, saying, “It feels great to be part of this historic event. We are working hard to clean all three Sangam Ghats, and we hope this initiative inspires everyone to keep their areas clean. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2019, a record was also set, and it was a memorable experience. Today, the energy and enthusiasm are just as strong, and we are all motivated to keep our environment clean.”

Sonu Kumar, another sanitation worker, shared his thoughts, saying, “It was wonderful to be part of this effort. Seeing 300 people working together is inspiring. This reminds me of the 2019 event when sanitation workers were honoured in the presence of PM Modi. Today, it feels just as special, and we all understand the importance of keeping our ghats and rivers clean. It was an amazing experience, and I’m still filled with joy.”

The ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 has witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with an estimated 46 to 47 crore devotees participating in the sacred event so far.

–IANS

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Chandigarh, Sep 3 (IANS) Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said that the Ambala Cantonment administration has been placed on high alert following increased water flow in the Tangri river.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called in, and direction has been issued to the Deputy Commissioner for coordinating with the Army to remain on standby.

Responding to media queries regarding heavy rainfall, waterlogging and drainage in Ambala, Minister Vij said that senior officials, including the SDM of the cantonment and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, have been inspecting vulnerable areas.

Due to continuous rainfall, blockages often occur under culverts, and steps are being taken to clear them immediately.

He said that all councillors and officials formed teams early this morning and have been visiting their respective wards from 6 a.m. onwards to assess conditions and ensure swift remedial action.

Minister Vij further stated that the government had earlier constructed an eight-km-long permanent embankment on the Tangri River, which is today providing safety to Ambala Cantonment.

“Recently, when the river carried a flow of 38,000 cusecs, the embankment protected the cantonment area,” he asserted.

The minister said that damage occurred only to those who had constructed houses within the riverbed of Tangri.

Despite repeated warnings to vacate, some people did not comply.

Later, they were rescued with the help of the State Disaster Response Force and the administration using boats, and arrangements were made for their accommodation and food.

He added that voluntary organisations have also been engaged to provide meals in the affected areas. Haryana has recorded its highest cumulative monsoon rainfall in 27 years. From June 1 to September 2, the state has received 498.4 mm of rainfall, against a normal of 357.3 mm – 39 per cent above average.

The government has directed all field officers to remain at their headquarters till September 5, with no leave allowed without clearance from the Chief Secretary or Additional Chief Secretary (Home).

–IANS

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