Facebook-f Instagram Twitter
Search News

Syrian officials attend World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia

© Provided by The Rahnuma Daily

Syrian officials attend World Defense Show 2026 in Saudi Arabia

LONDON(RAHNUMA): A delegation from the Syrian Arab Republic visited the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.

Led by Brig. Gen. Asem Hawari, commander of air forces and air defense, the group also included officials from the country’s Ministry of Defense. They met representatives of military organizations and defense companies to learn about the latest technologies and to discuss collaborations and the exchange of expertise, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

The biennial World Defense Show was founded by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries in 2022. It has become what organizers describe as a key global platform for defense professionals that brings together industry leaders, military figures and government officials to explore advances in air, land sea and space defense and security.

The 2026 event, titled “The Future of Defense Integration,” began on Sunday and continues until Thursday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center.

share it
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Picture of The Rahnuma-E-Deccan Daily
The Rahnuma-E-Deccan Daily

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Latest Post
All-Han Chinese politburo exposes deepening ethnic exclusion under Xi Jinping: Report Naypyidaw, Oct 31 (IANS) Under China’s ethnic autonomy law, the head-of-government post in autonomous regions is reserved for a member of the local ethnic minority, but the more powerful party secretary position has generally been occupied by a Han Chinese official, a report has stated. It noted that for decades, minorities have accounted for roughly 10 to 11 per cent of full and alternate Central Committee members, yet the majority have remained in the alternate tier. “No ethnic minority official has ever joined the Politburo Standing Committee. A handful reached the wider Politburo: Zhuang General Wei Guoqing and Mongolian leader Ulanhu served there during the Mao and early reform years; Hui Liangyu later served in the body and became a Vice Premier. Those cases show the barrier isn’t formal, but they also highlight how rarely it has been crossed,” a report in Myanmar’s media outlet ‘The Irrawaddy’ detailed. According to the report, ethnic policy under Chinese President Xi Jinping has increasingly focused on “forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.” At the 2021 Central Ethnic Work Conference, it said, Xi tied the standards for officials to their firm backing of centralised party leadership and commitment to his national community agenda. The report noted that the approach prioritises political cohesion, a shared national identity and security over representation of distinct ethnic groups. “Perhaps this policy did not directly cause the all-Han Politburo. Public records don’t reveal the bargaining, vetting or rejected candidates behind elite appointments. Still, the roster fits a system where minority identity can warrant representation in congresses and autonomous governments but offers little access to the center,” it mentioned. The report highlighted that China’s Communist Party appointed its 24-member Politburo in October 2022, with every member being a Han Chinese man. For the first time in 25 years, it said, the body had no women, while none of China’s 55 officially recognised ethnic minority groups secured a place. Four years later, the group has become even more exclusive. “In October 2025, the party expelled Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong. Former Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui followed in July 2026, and top general Zhang Youxia last month. Official notices accused all three of serious violations; the notice on Zhang also alleged disloyalty, ‘faction-building’ and a remarkably large number of bribes,” the report detailed. “Their removal leaves an active Politburo of 21—a concentration that tells us something important about power under Xi Jinping. Diversity exists farther down the political system, often through quotas and administrative rules. It disappears where the most consequential decisions are made,” it added. –IANS scor/as
October 31, 2026
Govt reviews watershed projects in Pune, urges upkeep of water structures New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Department of Land Resources (DoLR) Secretary Dilip Kumar reviewed watershed development works under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in villages of Maharashtra’s Pune district, an official statement said on Saturday. Kumar urged villagers to take collective responsibility for regular maintenance and repair of the water harvesting structures created under Watershed Development Scheme, to keep these assets functional for the next 20 years. He also called for sustained efforts to transform villages under the Khed Project into water-secure and self-reliant communities, on the lines of Hiware Bazar. The review was done in Varude, Gulani and Wafgaon villages of Pune district, on October 30, 2026. Villagers said that watershed development works across 11 villages under the Khed Project had improved groundwater levels, enabling farmers to cultivate two to three crops annually thereby increasing agricultural income and rural livelihoods. Despite the drought-like conditions this year, water stored in farm ponds and improved water levels in wells associated with cement nala bunds and CCT structures have helped irrigate standing crops, according to villagers. The key objectives of watershed development under the scheme include soil and water conservation measures, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable rural development. “Water is the foundation of our future. Every drop of rain must be conserved to make villages water-secure and self-reliant,” Kumar told villagers. The government official visited watershed structures developed using the ridge-to-valley approach, including Continuous Contour Trenches (CCT), earthen nala bunds, cement nala bunds, Kolhapuri-type weirs and ponds for water storage. He reviewed the effectiveness of these structures in reducing rainwater runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge and improving water availability for agriculture, changes in groundwater levels and benefits received by beneficiaries. The government also reviewed farm ponds, horticulture plantations and agricultural equipment provided to beneficiaries under the scheme, along with benefits extended to women’s self-help groups.
October 31, 2026
Couple, 5-month-old son killed as pickup truck hits motorcycle in MP’s Shajapur Shajapur (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 31 (IANS) Three members of a family, including a five-month-old child, were killed when a speeding pickup truck collided with their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district, police said on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as Ajit Panwar, his wife Pooja Panwar and their five-month-old son Shivanshu. They were residents of Indra Colony in Ashta town of neighbouring Sehore district. The accident occurred in the Salaslai police station area when the family was travelling from Bolai village towards Ayyapur for temple darshan. According to preliminary investigation, a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. Ajit, who was riding the two-wheeler, tried to avoid hitting the animal but lost control of the motorcycle, which swerved into the path of a pickup truck approaching from the opposite direction. The pickup truck hit the motorcycle with considerable force, leaving all three family members critically injured. The motorcycle was badly damaged in the collision. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared all three dead. The family had left home on Saturday to visit a temple and offer prayers to mark the completion of five months of their son Shivanshu. However, they met with the fatal accident before reaching their destination. “The family was going for temple darshan with their child when a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. The rider tried to save the animal but lost control and collided with a pickup coming from the opposite direction,” a police official said. The pickup driver fled the scene after the accident. Police seized both vehicles and registered a case against the unidentified driver for rash and negligent driving. “Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver with the help of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway,” the official added.
October 31, 2026
Karnataka using KMF price hikes to cover financial mismanagement, alleges Pralhad Joshi New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over the hike in Nandini curd prices, alleging that the state was using the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) as a tool to offset the financial strain caused by what he termed fiscal mismanagement. In a statement, Joshi said the Congress government has created a new record in price hikes by imposing unprecedented increases on essential commodities, thereby putting an additional burden on ordinary people. He alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was using KMF to cover up its financial mismanagement and depleted state coffers by resorting to excessive price hikes. According to Joshi, the price of 500 ml Nandini curd has been increased from Rs 28 to Rs 34, a hike of Rs 6 or 21.43 per cent. Similarly, the price of one litre of curd has been raised from Rs 54 to Rs 68, an increase of Rs 14 or 25.93 per cent. “While giving curd to the people, the Congress government is enjoying the butter,” he remarked, accusing the government of exploiting consumers. Pointing out that the government increased the price of milk by Rs 8 per litre just a day earlier, Joshi said the latest increase in curd prices, ranging from 21 to 26 per cent, would severely affect poor and middle-class families. He further alleged that the Congress government, which had made development a distant dream in Karnataka, was now collecting money from the poorest sections of society through repeated price increases in KMF products. The Union Minister said the successive hikes reflected the government’s anti-people policies and its failure to manage the state’s finances effectively. The Karnataka government has announced an Rs 8 per litre hike in the price of Nandini milk, which takes effect on November 1, 2026. The government states that out of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 goes directly to dairy farmers and Rs 1 goes to the milk cooperatives (KMF) for operational expenses. –IANS mka/skp
October 31, 2026
Tamil Nadu raises DA from 60 pc to 63 pc, effective July 1 Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered a three-percentage-point increase in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers, with pensioners and family pensioners also benefiting from the revision announced ahead of Deepavali. The increase, which raises the allowance from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, will take retrospective effect from July 1, 2026. Approximately 16 lakh employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners will benefit, according to a notification issued by the state government. The measure will impose an additional annual expenditure of Rs 1,858 crore on the state exchequer. The government said it would allocate the additional funds required to implement the revision as part of its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel. The decision follows the Union government’s increase in dearness allowance for central government employees from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, effective July 1. Tamil Nadu has adopted the same revised rate and commencement date for its employees and teachers. In its notification, the government highlighted the contribution of government officials and teachers to the formulation and implementation of welfare schemes. It said their work played an important role in ensuring that programmes designed for public welfare were implemented effectively. The administration was introducing and carrying out various initiatives for the benefit of the people, the notification said. Government employees and teachers were key participants in this process, contributing both to the planning of programmes and their delivery. Recognising these responsibilities and giving priority to employee welfare, the Chief Minister considered the revision following the Centre’s announcement and ordered the corresponding increase for the state workforce, the government said. The notification also emphasised the inclusion of pensioners and family pensioners among the beneficiaries. The financial commitment, it said, reflected the government’s concern for all four groups covered by the announcement. With Deepavali approaching, the government said the increase would help beneficiaries celebrate the festival with greater happiness. The announcement places the welfare of employees, teachers and pension-dependent households at the centre of the festive-season measure. Although the revised allowance takes effect retrospectively from July, the notification provided in the announcement does not specify when arrears will be paid. It confirms the effective date, the revised rate, the estimated number of beneficiaries and the recurring annual expenditure the state will bear under the decision. –IANS aal/uk
October 31, 2026
Manipur govt agrees to pay ex-gratia to kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence: Key Kuki body Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) The Manipur government has agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence attributed to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in the state, said on Saturday. A senior KZC leader said that an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh is expected to be provided to each of the bereaved families. According to a KZC statement, a meeting between the council’s leaders and government representatives was held at the District Magistrate’s office in Churachandpur on Friday to discuss the concerns and demands raised by the council. “During the meeting, KZC presented its concerns regarding the prevailing situation and the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K,” the statement said. The council said the decision reflects the need to honour the memory of the deceased and extend support to their bereaved families. The government also agreed to take responsibility for transporting the bodies of all the deceased to their respective villages for the final rites, the KZC said. According to the council, eight bodies of Kuki-Zo victims are currently lying in the morgue of Churachandpur District Hospital for a prolonged period, while some others have already been buried due to unavoidable circumstances. Both arrangements — payment of compensation and transportation of the bodies — are expected to be completed within seven days, the statement said. The KZC also raised several other pressing issues and demands concerning the security, welfare and political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people. The government has taken these matters under consideration and assured the council that they would be reviewed and responded to in due course, the statement said. While describing the commitments on ex-gratia compensation and transportation of the deceased as steps towards addressing the immediate concerns of the bereaved families, the KZC emphasised that the broader grievances and legitimate political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people require concrete and time-bound action. The council said it would continue to pursue these matters with the government until meaningful outcomes are achieved. Meanwhile, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Saturday urged the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace and rescue two Kuki youths who went missing from Kangpokpi district on the evening of October 28. In a statement, Kipgen condemned the alleged abduction of the two youths from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening. The two men, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants, she said. “It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said. Meanwhile, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi district in protest against the reported abduction of the two youths affected vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The shutdown began at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Shops, markets and other business establishments also remained closed during the protest. COTU alleged that the two Kuki youths had been abducted by “Naga militants”. –IANS sc/vd
October 31, 2026

Popular Categories

Get free tips and resources right in your inbox, along with 10,000+ others

Related Article

All Post
All-Han Chinese politburo exposes deepening ethnic exclusion under Xi Jinping: Report Naypyidaw, Oct 31 (IANS) Under China’s ethnic autonomy law, the head-of-government post in autonomous regions is reserved for a member of the local ethnic minority, but the more powerful party secretary position has generally been occupied by a Han Chinese official, a report has stated. It noted that for decades, minorities have accounted for roughly 10 to 11 per cent of full and alternate Central Committee members, yet the majority have remained in the alternate tier. “No ethnic minority official has ever joined the Politburo Standing Committee. A handful reached the wider Politburo: Zhuang General Wei Guoqing and Mongolian leader Ulanhu served there during the Mao and early reform years; Hui Liangyu later served in the body and became a Vice Premier. Those cases show the barrier isn’t formal, but they also highlight how rarely it has been crossed,” a report in Myanmar’s media outlet ‘The Irrawaddy’ detailed. According to the report, ethnic policy under Chinese President Xi Jinping has increasingly focused on “forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.” At the 2021 Central Ethnic Work Conference, it said, Xi tied the standards for officials to their firm backing of centralised party leadership and commitment to his national community agenda. The report noted that the approach prioritises political cohesion, a shared national identity and security over representation of distinct ethnic groups. “Perhaps this policy did not directly cause the all-Han Politburo. Public records don’t reveal the bargaining, vetting or rejected candidates behind elite appointments. Still, the roster fits a system where minority identity can warrant representation in congresses and autonomous governments but offers little access to the center,” it mentioned. The report highlighted that China’s Communist Party appointed its 24-member Politburo in October 2022, with every member being a Han Chinese man. For the first time in 25 years, it said, the body had no women, while none of China’s 55 officially recognised ethnic minority groups secured a place. Four years later, the group has become even more exclusive. “In October 2025, the party expelled Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong. Former Xinjiang Party Secretary Ma Xingrui followed in July 2026, and top general Zhang Youxia last month. Official notices accused all three of serious violations; the notice on Zhang also alleged disloyalty, ‘faction-building’ and a remarkably large number of bribes,” the report detailed. “Their removal leaves an active Politburo of 21—a concentration that tells us something important about power under Xi Jinping. Diversity exists farther down the political system, often through quotas and administrative rules. It disappears where the most consequential decisions are made,” it added. –IANS scor/as
,
Govt reviews watershed projects in Pune, urges upkeep of water structures New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Department of Land Resources (DoLR) Secretary Dilip Kumar reviewed watershed development works under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0 (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in villages of Maharashtra’s Pune district, an official statement said on Saturday. Kumar urged villagers to take collective responsibility for regular maintenance and repair of the water harvesting structures created under Watershed Development Scheme, to keep these assets functional for the next 20 years. He also called for sustained efforts to transform villages under the Khed Project into water-secure and self-reliant communities, on the lines of Hiware Bazar. The review was done in Varude, Gulani and Wafgaon villages of Pune district, on October 30, 2026. Villagers said that watershed development works across 11 villages under the Khed Project had improved groundwater levels, enabling farmers to cultivate two to three crops annually thereby increasing agricultural income and rural livelihoods. Despite the drought-like conditions this year, water stored in farm ponds and improved water levels in wells associated with cement nala bunds and CCT structures have helped irrigate standing crops, according to villagers. The key objectives of watershed development under the scheme include soil and water conservation measures, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable rural development. “Water is the foundation of our future. Every drop of rain must be conserved to make villages water-secure and self-reliant,” Kumar told villagers. The government official visited watershed structures developed using the ridge-to-valley approach, including Continuous Contour Trenches (CCT), earthen nala bunds, cement nala bunds, Kolhapuri-type weirs and ponds for water storage. He reviewed the effectiveness of these structures in reducing rainwater runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge and improving water availability for agriculture, changes in groundwater levels and benefits received by beneficiaries. The government also reviewed farm ponds, horticulture plantations and agricultural equipment provided to beneficiaries under the scheme, along with benefits extended to women’s self-help groups.
Couple, 5-month-old son killed as pickup truck hits motorcycle in MP’s Shajapur Shajapur (Madhya Pradesh), Oct 31 (IANS) Three members of a family, including a five-month-old child, were killed when a speeding pickup truck collided with their motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur district, police said on Saturday. The deceased have been identified as Ajit Panwar, his wife Pooja Panwar and their five-month-old son Shivanshu. They were residents of Indra Colony in Ashta town of neighbouring Sehore district. The accident occurred in the Salaslai police station area when the family was travelling from Bolai village towards Ayyapur for temple darshan. According to preliminary investigation, a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. Ajit, who was riding the two-wheeler, tried to avoid hitting the animal but lost control of the motorcycle, which swerved into the path of a pickup truck approaching from the opposite direction. The pickup truck hit the motorcycle with considerable force, leaving all three family members critically injured. The motorcycle was badly damaged in the collision. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared all three dead. The family had left home on Saturday to visit a temple and offer prayers to mark the completion of five months of their son Shivanshu. However, they met with the fatal accident before reaching their destination. “The family was going for temple darshan with their child when a stray dog suddenly came in front of their motorcycle. The rider tried to save the animal but lost control and collided with a pickup coming from the opposite direction,” a police official said. The pickup driver fled the scene after the accident. Police seized both vehicles and registered a case against the unidentified driver for rash and negligent driving. “Efforts are underway to trace the absconding driver with the help of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway,” the official added.
,
Karnataka using KMF price hikes to cover financial mismanagement, alleges Pralhad Joshi New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi on Saturday criticised the Congress government in Karnataka over the hike in Nandini curd prices, alleging that the state was using the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) as a tool to offset the financial strain caused by what he termed fiscal mismanagement. In a statement, Joshi said the Congress government has created a new record in price hikes by imposing unprecedented increases on essential commodities, thereby putting an additional burden on ordinary people. He alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was using KMF to cover up its financial mismanagement and depleted state coffers by resorting to excessive price hikes. According to Joshi, the price of 500 ml Nandini curd has been increased from Rs 28 to Rs 34, a hike of Rs 6 or 21.43 per cent. Similarly, the price of one litre of curd has been raised from Rs 54 to Rs 68, an increase of Rs 14 or 25.93 per cent. “While giving curd to the people, the Congress government is enjoying the butter,” he remarked, accusing the government of exploiting consumers. Pointing out that the government increased the price of milk by Rs 8 per litre just a day earlier, Joshi said the latest increase in curd prices, ranging from 21 to 26 per cent, would severely affect poor and middle-class families. He further alleged that the Congress government, which had made development a distant dream in Karnataka, was now collecting money from the poorest sections of society through repeated price increases in KMF products. The Union Minister said the successive hikes reflected the government’s anti-people policies and its failure to manage the state’s finances effectively. The Karnataka government has announced an Rs 8 per litre hike in the price of Nandini milk, which takes effect on November 1, 2026. The government states that out of the Rs 8 increase, Rs 7 goes directly to dairy farmers and Rs 1 goes to the milk cooperatives (KMF) for operational expenses. –IANS mka/skp
,
Tamil Nadu raises DA from 60 pc to 63 pc, effective July 1 Chennai, Oct 31 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered a three-percentage-point increase in dearness allowance for government employees and teachers, with pensioners and family pensioners also benefiting from the revision announced ahead of Deepavali. The increase, which raises the allowance from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, will take retrospective effect from July 1, 2026. Approximately 16 lakh employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners will benefit, according to a notification issued by the state government. The measure will impose an additional annual expenditure of Rs 1,858 crore on the state exchequer. The government said it would allocate the additional funds required to implement the revision as part of its commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel. The decision follows the Union government’s increase in dearness allowance for central government employees from 60 per cent to 63 per cent, effective July 1. Tamil Nadu has adopted the same revised rate and commencement date for its employees and teachers. In its notification, the government highlighted the contribution of government officials and teachers to the formulation and implementation of welfare schemes. It said their work played an important role in ensuring that programmes designed for public welfare were implemented effectively. The administration was introducing and carrying out various initiatives for the benefit of the people, the notification said. Government employees and teachers were key participants in this process, contributing both to the planning of programmes and their delivery. Recognising these responsibilities and giving priority to employee welfare, the Chief Minister considered the revision following the Centre’s announcement and ordered the corresponding increase for the state workforce, the government said. The notification also emphasised the inclusion of pensioners and family pensioners among the beneficiaries. The financial commitment, it said, reflected the government’s concern for all four groups covered by the announcement. With Deepavali approaching, the government said the increase would help beneficiaries celebrate the festival with greater happiness. The announcement places the welfare of employees, teachers and pension-dependent households at the centre of the festive-season measure. Although the revised allowance takes effect retrospectively from July, the notification provided in the announcement does not specify when arrears will be paid. It confirms the effective date, the revised rate, the estimated number of beneficiaries and the recurring annual expenditure the state will bear under the decision. –IANS aal/uk
,
Manipur govt agrees to pay ex-gratia to kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence: Key Kuki body Imphal, Oct 31 (IANS) The Manipur government has agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence attributed to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in the state, said on Saturday. A senior KZC leader said that an ex gratia amount of Rs 10 lakh is expected to be provided to each of the bereaved families. According to a KZC statement, a meeting between the council’s leaders and government representatives was held at the District Magistrate’s office in Churachandpur on Friday to discuss the concerns and demands raised by the council. “During the meeting, KZC presented its concerns regarding the prevailing situation and the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K,” the statement said. The council said the decision reflects the need to honour the memory of the deceased and extend support to their bereaved families. The government also agreed to take responsibility for transporting the bodies of all the deceased to their respective villages for the final rites, the KZC said. According to the council, eight bodies of Kuki-Zo victims are currently lying in the morgue of Churachandpur District Hospital for a prolonged period, while some others have already been buried due to unavoidable circumstances. Both arrangements — payment of compensation and transportation of the bodies — are expected to be completed within seven days, the statement said. The KZC also raised several other pressing issues and demands concerning the security, welfare and political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people. The government has taken these matters under consideration and assured the council that they would be reviewed and responded to in due course, the statement said. While describing the commitments on ex-gratia compensation and transportation of the deceased as steps towards addressing the immediate concerns of the bereaved families, the KZC emphasised that the broader grievances and legitimate political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people require concrete and time-bound action. The council said it would continue to pursue these matters with the government until meaningful outcomes are achieved. Meanwhile, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Saturday urged the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace and rescue two Kuki youths who went missing from Kangpokpi district on the evening of October 28. In a statement, Kipgen condemned the alleged abduction of the two youths from the vicinity of Taphou Kuki village on Wednesday evening. The two men, identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20, were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants, she said. “It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” she said. Meanwhile, a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi district in protest against the reported abduction of the two youths affected vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The shutdown began at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Shops, markets and other business establishments also remained closed during the protest. COTU alleged that the two Kuki youths had been abducted by “Naga militants”. –IANS sc/vd