Mild earthquake jolts Meghalaya Shillong, February 12 (IANS): A mild earthquake, measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale, rocked Meghalaya and its neighbouring states on Sunday, an official said. The tremor was felt at 9.35 a.m with its epicentre located in the state's East Garo Hills district, an official of the Regional Seismological Centre here said. There were no reports of any casualties or damage. The seven northeastern states - Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur - are considered by seismologists as the sixth major earthquake-prone belt in the world. The region experienced an earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale in 1897 that left over 1,600 people dead. AR conduct security meet in Manipur Ukhrul, February 12 (MExN): 2 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) conducted a ‘Security Meet’ at Upper Khoripok in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on February 11, 2017. The forum was attended by village headmen, secretaries, members of youth clubs of eight villages and four police personnel including Officer In-Charge of the Kasom Khullen Police Station, informed a press release from Assam Rifles. The Company Commander discussed various security aspects pertaining to the area and highlighted the importance of cooperation from villagers. A medical camp was also conducted at the venue where the locals were provided with medical assistance. In addition to this, sports items were also distributed to the villagers of Lairam Khullen, Lairam Phungka, Shangpuram, Upper Khoripok, Natjang and Hongbi villages, the release added. MNDF announces names of 15 candidates for Manipur election IMPHAL, February 12 (PTI): Manipur National Democratic Front (MNDF) on Sunday announced its list of 15 candidates for the Manipur Assembly polls to be held next month. Announcing the list of the candidates, MNDF vice president Lien Gangte said that "the party will bring a change in Manipur." The candidates are Th Nandakishor (Kshetrigao Assembly constituency), N Itomba Meitei (Keirao), K Ningthemjao (Andro), Y Romola Devi (Keishamthong), M Dinesh (Langthabal), S Achouba (Wangoi), L Thoiba (Oinam), W Bobbyjems (Kumbi), M A Zabar (Lilong), S Achoubi (Wangjing Tentha), Md Abdul Samad (Wabagai), Lien Gangte (Tengnoupal), Letjam Singson (Saikul), Hingba Thomas (Tadubi) and Mangcha Gangte (Henglep). Elections will be held in 60 Assembly seats in the state. Minor domestic help from Assam rescued Kota, February 12 (PTI): An 11-year-old girl from Assam, who was allegedly forced into domestic work, was rescued by police and members of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) from a house in R K Puram area here, an official said today. The victim was rescued last night after an unknown person informed the R K Puram Police Station about the matter, CWC member (Kota) Bhupendra Singh said. "The girl told us that she was brought to the city last year on the pretext of higher education by Deepak Chand Deka and Upma Deka, also residents of Assam, whose children are studying at a coaching centre here," Singh said. The Deka's met the victim at her village during her summer vacations and promised her education, he said, adding she worked at the rented house where Upma stayed with her two children. "She was forced into domestic work like cooking and cleaning. She worked from early morning till late night and was also denied of food," Singh said. The victim was sent for medical examination today and is presently staying at a children shelter home here. The minor is yet to undergo counselling, the CWC member said. Documents and certificates related to the minor have been sought from the Dekas, once these are verified, appropriate action will be taken under the Juvenile Justice Act and relevant laws, Singh added.
