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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
ISI could have promoted insurgency in Northeast in absence of peace pacts with rebel groups: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore
Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma Friday said the peace accord between the Centre, the state government and Tripura-based insurgent outfits – National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) – was signed at the right time last year. Pradyot Kishore reasoned that in the absence of the peace accord, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) could have created more trouble in the region in the wake of the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh on August 5 last year. Over 328 armed insurgents surrendered after the signing of the peace accord in New Delhi. Apart from government officials and representatives of the rebel groups, Pradyot Kishore was also present during the signing of the accord. On Friday, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said the Centre has announced Rs 250 crore to aid the transition of surrendering rebels as per the Memorandum of Settlement (MOS) with the two rebel outfits. CM Saha further said that the peace accord has led to the socio-economic improvement of marginalised groups, boosted employment opportunities and increased tourist inflow in the state, among others. The Union government has signed several peace agreements with rebel groups in the Northeast in recent years. In 2020, it signed the Bodo Accord, followed by the Karbi Peace Accord in 2021, and the peace pact with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in 2023, among others. Although militancy in Tripura dates back to 1967, when a small outfit called Sengkrak took up arms, the height of insurgency came in the late 1980s, when a series of insurgent groups, including the NLFT and the ATTF, became active. While most of these militant groups have largely become defunct, a small faction of the NLFT is said to be active in Bangladesh.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Employer's discretion ends where employee's dignity begins,' Supreme Court reinstates TSRTC driver prematurely retired over colour blindness
Stating that 'an employer's discretion ends where the employee's dignity begins,' the Supreme Court recently overturned a high court division bench ruling and ordered the reinstatement of a driver from the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), who was prematurely retired after being diagnosed with colour blindness. The court also awarded 25 per cent of the arrears of salary, allowances, and benefits from the date of termination until reinstatement. The TSRTC was also directed to reckon the intervening period of termination as 'continuous service'. The court's decision, delivered by a bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Aravind Kumar on August 1, not only vindicated the appellant, Ch Joseph, but also laid down a crucial precedent regarding an employer's constitutional obligation to accommodate employees who acquire a disability during service. The case stems from a routine medical enquiry, which declared Joseph, appointed as a driver in 2014, medically unfit for his position due to colour blindness. The TSRTC subsequently issued orders retiring him from service, while rejecting his request for alternate employment. Though he relied on a 1979 Memorandum of Settlement (MOS), which stated that the 'drivers' would be provided with alternate employment, the Telangana High Court gave its verdict in favour of the Corporation, directing Joseph to make representation for seeking his benefits. In his appeal before the Supreme Court, Joseph contended that the 1979 MOS between the then-undivided Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and the recognised unions is binding on the TSRTC, and the appellant, being a driver of the Corporation, was entitled to alternate employment. He said the high court failed to appreciate that his case falls within the category of people who have acquired the disability during service and thus would be entitled to alternate employment. The counsel for TSRTC informed the court that the 1979 clause was replaced by another clause in 1986 MOS, which said a possible suitable alternate job will be identified to the extent possible, and in case it is not possible, additional monetary benefit will be given. The TSRTC rejected Joseph's claim for an alternate job as he was an illiterate person without a qualification. Among several other grounds to set aside the high court order, the Supreme Court noted that he was prematurely retired from his service without any 'demonstrable effort' by the Corporation to identify or assess the feasibility of alternative employment, despite the appellant having expressed willingness to be reassigned to a non-driving post. The apex court said that colour blindness, though a disqualification for driving, does not render the appellant unfit to serve in any other non-driving role. The court also said that the 1979 MOS clause that the Corporation claimed to have replaced 'remains valid and enforceable' and added that no internal circular can override the terms of such a binding settlement. The Supreme Court also noted that retirement on medical grounds must be a measure of last resort, only after the employer exhausts all reasonable avenues for redeployment. 'This principle is inherent in the concept of 'reasonable accommodation', which is now recognised as an aspect of substantive equality under Articles 14 and 21,' the court stated, adding that the failure to explore alternate jobs was not merely a procedural lapse but a 'substantive illegality that violates the Appellant's right to livelihood and equal treatment.' Further, the court stated, 'Our concern is not confined to the facts of the present case but extends to the systemic risk that employers, particularly public sector entities, may attempt to bypass their obligation to offer alternate employment by drawing rigid distinctions between recognised and unrecognised disabilities under statutory frameworks.' The court said that the obligation to 'reasonably accommodate' such employees is not just a matter of administrative grace, but a constitutional and statutory imperative, rooted in the principles of non-discrimination, dignity, and equal treatment. The judgment added that the court was not crossing a line by intervening when an employee is removed from service for a condition he did not choose, and where viable alternatives are ignored, the court is upholding one drawn by the Constitution itself. 'The employer's discretion ends where the employee's dignity begins,' it concluded. Rahul V Pisharody is an Assistant Editor with the Indian Express Online and has been reporting from Telangana on various issues since 2019. Besides a focused approach to big news developments, Rahul has a keen interest in stories about Hyderabad and its inhabitants and looks out for interesting features on the city's heritage, environment, history culture etc. His articles are straightforward and simple reads in sync with the context. Rahul started his career as a journalist in 2011 with The New Indian Express and worked in different roles at the Hyderabad bureau for over 8 years. As Deputy Metro Editor, he was in charge of the Hyderabad bureau of the newspaper and coordinated with the team of district correspondents, centres and internet desk for over three years. A native of Palakkad in Kerala, Rahul has a Master's degree in Communication (Print and New Media) from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Long motorcycle rides and travel photography are among his other interests. ... Read More
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Motha MLA writes to HM Shah, urges to enforce ILP in Tripura
1 2 Agartala: In a decisive move to safeguard the interests of indigenous communities in Tripura's 6th Schedule areas, Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma on Thursday wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah to enforce Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state. This demand comes on the heels of a nationwide assurance for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Debbarma's push for ILP is significant, given the ruling BJP's opposition to the measure, despite Tipra Motha being a junior partner in the govt. He highlighted the escalating threat of illegal migration and its implications for national security, referencing the 1993 'Memorandum of Settlement' between the Govt of Tripura and the All Tripura Tribal Force (ATTF), which advocated for ILP under Clause 2(e). As a former ATTF leader turned lawmaker, Debbarma expressed frustration over the 32-year delay in implementing ILP in Tripura, contrasting it with northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Manipur, where ILP is already in place. In a separate letter, Debbarma warned of the severe national security threat posed by unchecked illegal migration, urging immediate action. He emphasised Tripura's vulnerability due to its 856km border with Bangladesh and called for coordinated efforts from the state and central govts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like BITS Pilani Digital bitspilani Subscribe Undo Debbarma also cited a 2012 incident where 1.48 lakh illegal voters were identified in Tripura, yet no electoral roll corrections were made. He accused corrupt officials, local brokers, and political leaders of facilitating illegal immigrants in obtaining Indian identification documents. The letter, also sent to the governor and chief minister, underscores the urgent need for ILP to maintain internal security in the state and across India.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma appeals state refugees to respect the laws of land
Guwahati: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma appealed to all refugee staying in Mizoram to respect the laws of land. He referred to a recent statement by the state Home Minister (K. Sapdanga), who revealed that nearly fifty per cent of crimes in Mizoram were committed by refugees sheltered in Mizoram. "It is regrettable that the actions of a few miscreants tarnish the image of many law-abiding individuals. I appeal to all our refugee friends to respect the laws of our land," he said. After a military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, refugees, including women and children from the neighbouring country, started coming to Mizoram seeking shelter and now their numbers have increased to around 35,000. More than 2,000 people from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh also took shelter in Mizoram. Live Events "Let peace and harmony prevail in our society and in our neighbourhoods. Let us rekindle the spirit of communal harmony handed down to us by our ancestors. Let our streets once again become places of peace," the Chief Minister appealed. The chief minister said that peace is the bedrock of development, stability, and progress, while unrest remains a major obstacle for the state. "My government shall leave no stone unturned to preserve and promote peace in Mizoram," the Chief Minister affirmed while addressing the Remna Ni ( Mizoram Peace Accord Day). The commemorative event was organised by Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), an apex student body. The Chief Minister said that the state is poised for major infrastructural development, particularly through improved connectivity between the southern and northern regions. Lalduhoma, who is also the President of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), emphasised that such development should be accompanied by larger connection with outside of the state communities. "We have to prepare for better communication and deeper harmony among people of diverse communities and faiths." He called for a collective commitment to peaceful coexistence, regardless of differences, and reminded the audience that Mizo nationalism is not rooted in hostility, but in unity and inclusive progress. True nationalism, he said, uplifts others and builds togetherness. The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship with the Central government -- regardless of which party is in power -- for the greater good and welfare of Mizoram. "Politics must be guided by mutual respect. Let us uphold dignity in public discourse and refrain from divisive or inflammatory rhetoric," he urged. After the signing of the Peace Accord, the Memorandum of Settlement on June 30, 1986, which ended two decades of strife and insurgency, Mizoram became the 23rd state of India, a step above Union Territory, on February 20, 1987. The Central Young Mizo Association Central Anti-Drugs Squad (CADS) today organised a Drug Disposal Programme at the Central YMA Hall, Aizawl, to mark the destruction of narcotics seized between 15th March and June 2025. The event was graced by the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Pu Lalduhoma, as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Chief Minister underscored the urgent need for a compassionate, community-based approach to addressing the state's drug crisis. He emphasised the importance of building robust support systems not only for individuals struggling with addiction, but also for their families and communities. We need proper rehabilitation homes, equip with skill training, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to ensure that those who have overcome addiction can reintegrate meaningfully into society,' he said. He further informed that the government is already in discussion with several church organisations to collaborate on establishing quality rehabilitation centres. Praising the vital role of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the Chief Minister stated, 'Our society must cherish and support institutions like the YMA, whose unwavering dedication to the well-being of our communities is truly commendable."
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ulfa's 250 cadres training in 4 Myanmar camps: Centre
Guwahati: A new report to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal reveals that the Paresh Baruah-led faction of Ulfa has an estimated cadre strength of around 250, primarily based in four major camps in Myanmar. The submission by the Centre, also echoed by the Assam govt, states that the outfit maintains links with other Indian insurgent groups for "operational and logistical purposes" and its cadres are believed to possess about 200 weapons at present. The govt's report highlights Ulfa's ties with insurgent groups such as NSCN, CorCom, NLFT, KYKL, and PLA, which are also based in Myanmar. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati high court, upheld the ministry of home affairs' (MHA) Nov 2024 order declaring Baruah's faction — Ulfa (Independent) — along with all its wings and front organisations, as unlawful for five years. Ulfa was first declared an unlawful organisation in Nov 1990, and this classification has been continuously extended since then. The other Ulfa faction led by Arabinda Rajkhowa joined peace talks in 2011 and subsequently signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) with the central and state govts on Dec 29, 2023. The anti-talk faction, led by Baruah, changed its nomenclature from Ulfa (anti-talk) to Ulfa (Independent) in April 2013. As per the constitution of Ulfa, one of the main objectives of the organisation is to achieve Assam's sovereignty through secession from India by armed revolution. The judge pointed out that such a claim for secession, as outlined in the organisation's constitution, comes within the scope and ambit of "unlawful activity", especially when the organisation has been found to have taken action towards it, by committing illegal acts, by words written, by signs and by visible representation. The Centre and Assam govts submitted that 89 cases have been registered against Ulfa, with 235 persons arrested. Between 2019 and 2024, two civilians and three Ulfa cadres were killed. Chargesheets have been filed in 21 of the 89 cases, while final reports have been submitted in 14. These cases involve bomb blasts, criminal conspiracy, extortion, arms recovery, Ulfa recruitment, and social media statements supporting the outfit. There are cases of Ulfaflag hoisting, dacoity, kidnapping, bomb recoveries, shootouts, ambushes on security personnel, and apprehensions of people attempting to join Ulfa. "The long and short of the evidence that has been adduced shows that Ulfa along with all its factions, wings and front organisations have initiated a violent campaign, with the object to secede the state of Assam from the Indian Union," the judge noted in his order. The tribunal order, notified by the MHA on Monday, observed that the govt has provided substantial proof of Ulfa's involvement in subversive activities across Assam, posing a severe threat to national security and integrity. The judge also noted that no representative from Ulfa appeared before the tribunal or provided any material to counter the govt's claims. "Hence, the evidence of the govt remains intact and the test of greater probability favours the govt. This Tribunal is of the view that the govt has produced considerable material before it, to confirm the declaration of the central govt that Ulfa is an unlawful association. This Tribunal thus finds that the materials produced by the state govt and on the basis of which the central govt declared Ulfa to be on unlawful association, is justified," the judge noted.
