Flood Crisis in Assam: An Overlooked Annual Tragedy
Every monsoon season, Assam faces severe flood crises, and this year has been no exception. Two waves of floods have affected all 35 districts, with the first wave occurring between May 28 and June 13, and the second starting on June 16. As of July, these floods have claimed over 50 lives and displaced or affected around 24 lakh people. Fortunately, conditions are gradually improving, with the affected population decreasing to 73,000 across 10 districts.
Despite the recurring disaster, Assam’s plight often goes unnoticed in mainstream discussions. However, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged the crisis in her Budget speech, announcing a Rs 11,500 crore financial package for flood-affected states. Yet, she did not specify how much Assam would receive. The state’s outdated embankment approach has proven ineffective, and erosion caused by the Brahmaputra river exacerbates the situation, consuming 7.5% of the state’s land area.
Controversial Panchayat Elections in Tripura
Tripura’s recent three-tier panchayat elections mirrored the 2019 polls, marred by allegations against the ruling BJP. Reports indicate BJP cadres prevented and attacked Opposition CPM and Congress candidates, leading to 70% of seats going unopposed. The death of a CPM candidate, purportedly at the hands of BJP supporters, highlights failures by the state election commission.
BJP’s uncontested wins have sparked criticism reminiscent of past elections under Trinamool Congress in Bengal, where similar issues occurred. Despite the heightened figures of unopposed seats, BJP deflects blame onto Opposition parties’ organizational weaknesses, a tactic criticized by media reports and voters alike.
Manipur Ethnic Violence Acquires Religious Color
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) claims the Meitei-armed group Arambai Tenggol targets Christians, following ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis. Though not initially religious, attacks on churches and Meitei temples complicate the narrative. Speculations suggest NSCN(IM)’s allegations aim to pressure the Centre amid stalled Naga Peace Deal negotiations. The militant group might be leveraging this tactic to influence the removal of Manipur’s Chief Minister Biren Singh, reflecting deeper political maneuvers.
The author is a political commentator.
[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are personal and do not reflect ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.]
Original Story https://news.abplive.com/blog/opinion-assam-flood-problem-govt-action-tripura-local-elections-manipur-violence-northeast-notes-1706051
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