In a significant move to turn Mizoram’s abundant bamboo resources into economic opportunities, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma inaugurated several key bamboo processing units at the Sairang Horticulture Centre on Wednesday, under the National Bamboo Mission.
Developed at an investment of Rs 252.82 lakh, these new facilities include a Bamboo Treatment and Seasoning Plant, a Bamboo Depot and Godown, and an Activated Charcoal Unit.

This initiative aligns with the state government’s broader strategy to cultivate bamboo-based industries, fostering sustainability and job creation.

The inauguration was attended by notable officials, including Horticulture Minister Pu C. Lalsawivunga, Rural Development Minister Prof. Lalnilawma, and the Chief Minister’s Technical Adviser, Pu H. Ginzalal.

During the event, the Chief Minister described the development as a significant step in Mizoram’s industrial journey. He stated, “Bamboo is one of our most abundant natural resources. When processed sustainably, it can drive economic growth while safeguarding our environment.” He pointed out that, in contrast to wood—which takes years to regenerate—bamboo can fully regrow in just one to two years, making it a more eco-friendly option for charcoal and other industrial uses.

He also underscored the potential for bamboo to generate new employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, and urged local workers and officials to maintain the facilities responsibly to ensure their longevity.

The newly established units are set to dramatically increase bamboo’s commercial viability in Mizoram. The Bamboo Treatment and Seasoning Plant will extend the lifespan of bamboo products to up to 50 years, enhancing their suitability for construction and furniture. The Depot and Godown will facilitate efficient storage and distribution, while the Activated Charcoal Unit aims to produce up to three tonnes of charcoal daily, utilizing around 670 bamboo culms.

Additionally, the charcoal production process will yield approximately 100 litres of vinegar each day, with around 54 litres of refined vinegar being retrieved after distillation.

To ensure a steady supply chain, three bamboo clusters have been established in Chhingchhip, Baktawng, and Saiphal villages, dedicated to supplying raw bamboo to the facility.

The North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) is providing technical support and will conduct training programs to equip local workers with the necessary skills for operating and maintaining the plant.

Mizoram, which hosts over 14% of India’s bamboo cover, is aiming to shift from raw bamboo exports to value-added processing. The launch of these facilities represents a strategic endeavor to strengthen local industry, mitigate environmental damage caused by wood-based charcoal production, and position the state as a pioneer in bamboo innovation in the Northeast and beyond.

In a significant counter-insurgency operation, at least 10 militants were killed during intense clashes with the Assam Rifles in Chandel district of Manipur. This operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to combat insurgent groups in the region.

Initiated on Wednesday, the operation has already yielded a noteworthy cache of arms and ammunition, according to officials.

Authorities reported that the encounter took place near New Samtal village in the Khengjoy area, close to the Indo-Myanmar border, following the detection of suspicious movements of armed militants. When security forces approached, the militants opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the troops.

“Acting on specific intelligence regarding armed movements near New Samtal village in Khengjoy tehsil, a unit of the Assam Rifles launched an operation on May 14,” stated the Indian Army’s Eastern Command. “In the course of the operation, the troops were fired upon by suspected militants. They quickly redeployed and retaliated in a measured response, resulting in the neutralization of 10 militants and the recovery of a substantial amount of arms and ammunition,” the statement continued.

While the identities of the deceased militants have not yet been revealed, officials consider this a significant setback for insurgent activities in the area.

This encounter coincides with intensified anti-insurgency activities across Manipur targeting various militant groups. On the same day, a joint operation involving security forces led to the apprehension of 14 militants affiliated with banned extremist outfits, alongside the arrest of three illegal arms dealers.

These arrests occurred during coordinated raids across four districts—Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Tengnoupal—within a 24-hour period. Police officials confirmed that the arrested militants are linked to four proscribed organizations: Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).

These groups have been historically involved in various insurgent activities, including abduction and extortion targeting contractors, government personnel, traders, and the general populace.

“They have also been associated with violent crimes that disrupt public peace,” noted a senior police official.

During the crackdown, security forces seized numerous arms and ammunition, as well as Aadhaar cards, incriminating documents, and other materials from those arrested.

This wave of arrests and neutralizations is part of a broader offensive by security agencies aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and reducing militant violence throughout Manipur.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision in the Tamil Nadu Bills case, President Droupadi Murmu has invoked Article 143 of the Constitution to request the court’s guidance on whether timelines can be established for Governors to act on Bills, given the lack of a constitutionally-mandated deadline.

The President has also sought the court’s opinion on the constitutional options available to a Governor when a Bill is presented under Article 200 of the Constitution of India.

“Is the Governor obligated to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers while exercising all available options regarding a Bill under Article 200?” President Murmu inquired.

Additionally, she questioned whether the Governor’s exercise of constitutional discretion on Bills is subject to judicial review, especially since Article 361 restricts such review of gubernatorial actions.

“In the absence of a constitutional timeline for the exercise of the President’s powers, can a timeline and procedure be established through judicial orders regarding the President’s discretion under Article 201?” she asked the Supreme Court.

Earlier in April, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court had invoked its inherent powers under Article 142 to mediate a dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor R.N. Ravi over delays in approving legislated Bills. The court deemed Governor Ravi’s refusal to approve ten Bills as “illegal and arbitrary,” setting a three-month deadline for Presidential and gubernatorial assent for Bills passed a second time by the legislature.

“The President is required to make a decision on Bills reserved for his consideration by the Governor within three months of receiving such a reference,” stated Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan.

Should no decision be made within this period, states may file writ petitions seeking a writ of mandamus against the President, the Bench clarified. The court declared the ten bills, previously withheld, as deemed assented on the date they were resubmitted after reconsideration by the state legislature.

It asserted that once a Bill is returned, re-passed, and presented to the Governor anew, the Governor cannot reserve it for Presidential consideration. Furthermore, the President is now required to provide rationale for their decisions, which must be communicated to the state government.

The court also advised the President to consult the Supreme Court regarding Bills involving constitutional matters. This judgment appears to bring Presidential actions under judicial review by advocating for a three-month deadline for Bill assent.

Recently, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the judiciary, likening Article 142 to a ‘nuclear missile’ wielded against democratic forces.