Assam Meghalaya Imphal, October 29, 2023: Several betel leaves in bamboo baskets imported into Manipur from Assam via Mizoram were taken away by the male village volunteers and destroyed these items in a fire by the Meira Paibis (women vigilante groups) at Moirang Lamkhai in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Saturday night, official sources said. As many as 10 baskets of betel leaves in bamboo baskets were reportedly transported by one alleged smuggler namely Md Abdul Khalip, 34, from Silchar (Assam) via Aizawl (Mizoram). The betel leaves were to be transported to Imphal via Aizawl, Churachandpur, and Kwakta village on Saturday. After receiving a piece of information that Md Abdul Khalip, a resident of Kwakta village, Bishnupur district of Manipur was engaged in the transportation of betel leaves, the village volunteers waylaid the transportation. They confiscated the imported items and then handed them over to the women vigilante groups. Since then, the Meira Paibis of Bishnpur district set the betel leaves in bamboo baskets on the bonfire and destroyed them in the presence of media men at around 11 p.m. on Saturday. A leader of the Meira Paibis, Geeta Devi appealed to the people especially the Muslims (Manipuri) and the Kukis not to indulge in the transportation of such items against the backdrop of the ongoing communal violence in the state. Betel leaves are mostly consumed in Manipur and by some emigrants. They are consumed as betel quid or in paan. The betel plant is an evergreen perennial with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkin. The demand for betel leaves is very high in Manipur.
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Guwahati: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) will reinstate the original train numbers for all 60 pairs of passenger trains starting in January 2025.

This move aligns with directives from the Railway Board and signifies a return to the pre-COVID-19 numbering system, replacing the current ‘0’ numbering system.

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All NF Railway-operated passenger trains, including those using ICF, DEMU, and LHB coaches, will resume their original train numbers.

All the 60 pairs of passenger trains would operate as per earlier frequency with their earlier train numbers from January 2025 onwards, he said.

Out of the 60 pairs of passenger trains, four pairs would operate from Tinsukia Division, 19 pairs from Lumding Division, 10 pairs from Rangiya Division, six pairs from Alipurduar Division (West Bengal) and 21 pairs would operate from Katihar Division (Bihar).

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Passengers can find detailed information on train schedules, timings, and stoppages on the IRCTC website and NF Railway’s social media platforms.

During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21), the railway operated special trains with slightly higher fares. This system has continued until now. The restoration of original train numbers marks a shift away from these pandemic-era measures.

The NF Railway, which operates across the northeastern states, parts of West Bengal, and northern Bihar, covers over 6,400 kilometers of track. The railway has consistently prioritized passenger safety and security.

In November, the NF Railway enhanced safety features by installing Thick Web Switch Point machines with clamp-type locking at 31 stations across the zone.

Furthermore, the NF Railway has implemented various upgrades and replacements to its signaling system in several sections to improve efficiency and safety.