Kohima, Several Nagaland legislators on Monday expressed concern in the Assembly over the recruitment criteria for state police constables, with some suggesting a review of the balance between physical and written tests.. MLAs express concern in Nagaland Assembly over police constable recruitment criteria. The MLAs raised the issue during Question Hour over the recent Nagaland Police constable recruitment drive conducted in January 2026 to fill 1,176 posts, during which 80 posts remained unfilled after candidates failed to qualify in the physical efficiency tests.. Raising the issue, NPF MLA Tongpang Ozukum welcomed the government’s decision to conduct the recruitment after a long gap, stating that it was a significant opportunity for unemployed youths in the state. However, he pointed out that out of the 1,176 posts advertised, 80 posts remained unfilled across five districts.. According to the data cited by Ozukum, the highest number of unfilled posts was from Mokokchung district with 43 vacancies, followed by Tuensang with 32, while Tseminyu had three and Longleng and Wokha had one each.. While acknowledging that it was not the fault of the department, Ozukum suggested that another opportunity be given to the districts concerned through a separate recruitment drive or by adding the backlog posts to future recruitment.. Replying to the query, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Y Patton, confirmed that 80 posts remained vacant. He clarified that there would be no immediate separate recruitment solely for those posts but assured the House that the vacancies would remain reserved for the respective districts and tribes and would be carried forward as backlog vacancies in the next recruitment drive.. During the discussion, MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu appreciated the fairness of the physical and medical tests but raised concerns over the written examination. He noted that candidates with basic qualifications had to compete with highly educated graduates, making the competition uneven. He suggested that the department examine ways to review the system to ensure fairness for candidates from less advantaged areas.. MLA Achumbemo Kikon also suggested reducing the weightage of written marks and placing greater emphasis on physical tests, stating that constabulary duties require more physical strength and field work.. Responding to the suggestions, Patton said that the views expressed by the members would be examined and the recruitment system reviewed.. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also stressed that police service primarily requires physical fitness, and candidates must prepare themselves accordingly. He suggested that unfilled posts of the respective districts should be given a second chance, but cautioned that vacancies should not remain indefinitely.. Patton further informed the House that while the minimum educational qualification is Class 8 for forward tribes and Class 6 for backward tribes, the department would review the recruitment process, particul 

 Itanagar, One hundred and sixty-five militants belonging to various insurgent groups have laid down their arms in the insurgency-affected districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh during the last six years, state Home minister Mama Natung informed the assembly on Monday.. 165 militants surrendered in Arunachal in last six years: Minister. Natung, replying to a written question by NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham, said that between January 2020 and December 2025, a total of 47 militants surrendered before security forces in Tirap district, 41 in Changlang district and 77 in Longding district.. The minister said 50 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim surrendered in the three districts. Another 37 militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland laid down arms.. Besides, 35 rebels of the Eastern Naga National Government also surrendered during the period.. Natung further said that 27 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland surrendered, along with 14 of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland , five of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland , four of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland .. Two each from the United Liberation Front of Asom , the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Eastern Naga National Organisation , and one rebel from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland .. The minister said that surrendered cadres are provided benefits under the government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, including financial assistance amounting to ₹1.4 crore in the last six years.. He said that a rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley district has been operational since January 9 last year and the surrendered cadres are currently staying there.. Vocational training programmes are also being conducted for the skill development of the surrendered militants.. During the current fiscal, short-term vocational training was provided to 26 cadres, the minister said, adding that the scheme has no provision for direct employment or housing.. He further stated that under the provisions of the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, cases relating to minor offences against successfully rehabilitated cadres may be considered for withdrawal in accordance with government policy.. However, Natung clarified that cadres involved in heinous offences such as murder, rape, abduction and other serious crimes will face due process of law and surrender will not be treated as amnesty from criminal liability.. The minister added that the reintegration and livelihood status of surrendered militants are regularly monitored under government supervision.. He also said the government has taken steps to strengthen the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme by sanctioning an additional stipend of ₹6,000 per cadre and approving ₹109.10 lakh for improvement of rehabilitation infrastructure.. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. 

 Itanagar, One hundred and sixty-five militants belonging to various insurgent groups have laid down their arms in the insurgency-affected districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding in Arunachal Pradesh during the last six years, state Home minister Mama Natung informed the assembly on Monday.. 165 militants surrendered in Arunachal in last six years: Minister. Natung, replying to a written question by NPP MLA Thangwang Wangham, said that between January 2020 and December 2025, a total of 47 militants surrendered before security forces in Tirap district, 41 in Changlang district and 77 in Longding district.. The minister said 50 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim surrendered in the three districts. Another 37 militants belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland laid down arms.. Besides, 35 rebels of the Eastern Naga National Government also surrendered during the period.. Natung further said that 27 cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland surrendered, along with 14 of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland , five of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland , four of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland .. Two each from the United Liberation Front of Asom , the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and the Eastern Naga National Organisation , and one rebel from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland .. The minister said that surrendered cadres are provided benefits under the government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, including financial assistance amounting to ₹1.4 crore in the last six years.. He said that a rehabilitation camp at Bhismaknagar in Lower Dibang Valley district has been operational since January 9 last year and the surrendered cadres are currently staying there.. Vocational training programmes are also being conducted for the skill development of the surrendered militants.. During the current fiscal, short-term vocational training was provided to 26 cadres, the minister said, adding that the scheme has no provision for direct employment or housing.. He further stated that under the provisions of the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme, cases relating to minor offences against successfully rehabilitated cadres may be considered for withdrawal in accordance with government policy.. However, Natung clarified that cadres involved in heinous offences such as murder, rape, abduction and other serious crimes will face due process of law and surrender will not be treated as amnesty from criminal liability.. The minister added that the reintegration and livelihood status of surrendered militants are regularly monitored under government supervision.. He also said the government has taken steps to strengthen the Surrender and Rehabilitation scheme by sanctioning an additional stipend of ₹6,000 per cadre and approving ₹109.10 lakh for improvement of rehabilitation infrastructure.. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. 

 Shimla, Outgoing Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla advised the state government to stand on its own feet by adopting a strong work culture and effectively utilising the opportunities presented to it.. Adopt strong work culture, utilise opportunities to become self-reliant: Outgoing guv to HP govt. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also recalled that the governor had made suggestions at several instances, which his government followed sincerely, and any doubts about particular bills were resolved through discussions.. Speaking to mediapersons on Sunday, Shukla, who will soon take charge as the Governor of Telangana, said that more than 50 years have passed since the state of Himachal Pradesh was formed, yet it has advanced less significantly than Uttarakhand, which was formed later.. “There is a huge scope for development in Himachal Pradesh. The state’s leaders need to adopt a strong work culture and utilise opportunities so that it can become self-reliant,” he said.. Later, speaking at his farewell function, the governor said, “When one works in a state or a region, it is natural to develop an attachment to that place. But my experience in Himachal Pradesh has been truly special. Himachal is not only the Devbhoomi but also a ‘Prem Bhoomi’ . People here are simple, sincere and full of warmth,” he said.. Expressing gratitude for the affection he received during his tenure, the governor said that he was leaving the state with cherished memories of the love and cooperation extended by people.. “I am grateful for the support I received from all political parties, social and cultural organisations, and from government officers and employees,” he said.. Shukla emphasised the need to make efforts in the state to curb the growing drug menace, protect its environment and develop its tourism sector.. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who was present at the function, said that under the Shukla’s leadership, Lok Bhavan became a responsive centre connected with public concerns, spreading a message of goodwill and cooperation among different sections of the society.. “The governor remained closely connected with people, regularly interacting with students, youth, social organisations and citizens. His presence in universities and educational institutions inspired young minds to pursue knowledge, values and service to the nation,” he said.. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sukhu said that in several instances, the governor made suggestions, which his government followed sincerely.. Any doubts about certain bills, he said, were resolved through discussions after which the governor gave his assent. In some cases, the bills were sent for the President’s assent following the constitutional process, he added.. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. 

 External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the government remains committed to safeguarding India’s energy security while ensuring that national interests remain the top priority, as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global oil markets.. Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha (Screengrab). Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said India’s approach to energy procurement will be guided by costs, risks and the availability of supply.. “On energy security, the government remains committed, taking into account the costs, risk and availability of sources,” he said.. He emphasised that the government will prioritise the country’s interests while navigating global uncertainties.. “The interest of Indians is the top priority. Our national interests will always be paramount,” Jaishankar told the Upper House.. Government monitoring energy supplies. His remarks come amid rising concerns over energy supplies and prices due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, which has affected oil production and shipping routes in the region.. The government has sought to reassure markets and consumers that the situation does not pose an immediate threat to India’s energy security. Petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri had earlier said the country has adequate reserves to deal with the current situation.. According to officials familiar with the matter, India currently has sufficient crude oil stocks and fuel reserves, apart from the strategic petroleum reserves maintained by the government.. Authorities have also set up a 24×7 control room to monitor fuel supplies and stock levels across the country.. “At present, the government is reasonably comfortable in terms of stocks,” the petroleum ministry said in a statement earlier.. Dependence on Gulf energy supplies. India imports just over five million barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the world’s largest energy importers.. Of this, around 2.5 million barrels per day typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that serves as a crucial route for global oil shipments.. The ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted shipping in the strait and raised concerns about potential supply disruptions.. However, officials say India has diversified its energy sourcing in recent years, with more than 60 percent of its supplies now coming from producers in North America, Latin America, West Africa and the Asian part of Russia.. India currently sources crude oil from more than 40 countries, which helps reduce dependence on any single region.