Farewell 2023: A look at big events from Northeast which hit the headlines in 2023

As the year 2023 comes to a close, here’s what the year has been like for the people of the Northeastern region

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2023 is coming to an end, and we are all looking forward to 2024 with hope that it will bring new possibilities, happiness, prosperity and a lot of good news.

As the year 2023 comes to a close, here’s what the year has been like for the people of the Northeastern region.

This year has been nothing less than a rollercoaster ride for many people of the region. A mixed bag of emotions for many and definitely a year that most people in Manipur would like to forget like a very bad dream, a year that never happened. But there has been some good news too in the field of sports and entertainment for the region.

The region has witnessed some of the most destructive crisis, tragedies, violence, conflict and natural disasters throughout the year. However, it wrapped up with some good and uplifting news too.

Ethnic violence in Manipur

Ethenic violence erupted between two communities in Manipur, which shocked the entire nation and garnered worldwide attention. 

The violence broke out between the two communites on May 3 and still continues. 

At 175 people were killed, 1,108 others were injured while 32 are missing. 4,786 houses were burnt and 386 religious structures including temples and churches were vandalized. The violence left more than 70,000 people displaced from their homes. However, unofficial figures are higher.

APPSC Fiasco

On February 17, a 72 hour bandh called by the Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) over the alleged cash-for-jobs scam in Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) turned violent resulting in the clash between security personnel and protesters who came out in large numbers defying prohibitory orders. At least 10 people, including 4 security personnel were injured in a clash.

The bandh was called to press for the fulfillment of the 13-point charter of demands of PAJSC.

PAJSC’s demands are yet to be fulfilled. Unhappy with the state government’s response on resolving the paper leak case and the alleged delay in fulfilment of their demands it has been continuously protesting.

Elections in Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya Mizoram

Elections were held in Nagaland, Tripura, and Meghalaya in February and March, while elections in Mizoram held in November this year.

The BJP and its allies have secured a second term in power in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.

In Mizoram, however, the saffron party was unable to gain momentum. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a relatively new regional party stormed to power in Mizoram by winning 27 out of the 40 Assembly seats, breaking the binary model of politics involving the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress ever since the sate was formed in 1987.

Sikkim Cloud burst

On October 3, a devastating flash floods in the Teesta river basin caused by a sudden glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurred at the Lhonak Lake in the Chungthang area of North Sikkim has claimed over 55 lives, causing widespread damage as roads, bridges, and homes were washed away. The disaster has left over 25,000 people homeless and 150 more are still missing.

The Flood that lashed through Sikkim on October 4, has hit the tourism industry in the state very hard and is not allowing the sector to get back on track.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of individuals who lost their lives in the flash flood in the state.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 90 BRO projects of Rs 2,941 crore

On September 12, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated and dedicated a total of 90 projects of the Border Road Organisation at a cost of Rs 2,941 crore to the nation.

The Union minister inaugurated 22 roads, 63 bridges, Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, 5 in Mizoram, 2 in Sikkim, 1 in Nagaland.

Historic: Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s 3-day visit to Assam

It was a historic and a momentous occasion as Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck landed in Guwahati on November 3 on a 3-day visit to Assam. What makes the visit more special is the fact that it is the first visit ever by a monarch of Bhutan to Assam.

Bhutan’s King announced the plans to build a massive international city in an area of over 1,000 sq. km. on its border with Assam. The project will link Bhutan economically with Assam to spur regional and sub-regional integration.

Big Bollywood wedding of Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram

Bollywood hunk Randeep Hooda tied the knot with his long time girlfriend and Manipuri beauty Lin Laishram in a very simple, sombre ceremony following Meitei Manipuri rituals and traditions on November 29 in Imphal.

The couple got married according to traditional Meitei wedding ceremony at the Chumthang Shannapung resort, embracing Lin’s Manipuri roots.

Historic peace deal signing of ULFA with Centre and Assam Govt

The year ended on a positive note, as on December 29, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a historic peace deal with the Centre and the Assam Government in New Delhi.

The historic tripartite deal was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

As part of the peace agreement, the government has agreed to invest Rs 1.5 lakh crore, allocating 97 assembly seats in Assam to indigenous people, and declaring the state’s yearly floods as a “national priority”.

Also Read: NE CMs congratulate Assam’s people on historic signing of ULFA peace accord

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