Aizawl (PTI): Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday asserted that the Northeast is no longer defined by its geographical distance from the national capital, but by its proximity to new economic opportunities.

Addressing the 20th convocation of the Mizoram University (MZU) here, the Vice President noted the shift in the region's development narrative over the last decade and credited the Centre's focus on the 'Act East' policy.

He said that infrastructure milestones, such as the recently inaugurated Bairabi-Sairang railway line, alongside central schemes such as UDAN (regional connectivity) and PM-DevINE, are successfully integrating the region into the national mainstream.

Congratulating the graduating students, Radhakrishnan urged them to view themselves as the "architects of Viksit Bharat (developed India)".

He remarked that the university, situated in the scenic hills of Aizawl, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education when rooted in peace and purpose.

"The youth of the Northeast must look beyond seeking employment and instead focus on creating it," the Vice President said.

He identified tourism, bamboo-based industries, organic agriculture, handicrafts, and digital services as key sectors where the region holds a competitive global advantage.

Addressing social challenges, Radhakrishnan expressed grave concern over the "menace of drug abuse" among the youth.

He called for a disciplined and purposeful lifestyle, urging the graduating students to lead the fight against substance abuse in their communities.

He advised the responsible use of social media and urged the youth to harness digital tools for social good rather than falling prey to their distractions.

Radhakrishnan also lauded Mizoram's environmental consciousness and the university's initiative to operate substantially on solar energy.

The event was also attended by Mizoram Governor and Chief Rector of MZU, Vijay Kumar Singh, Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Vice Chancellor Professor Dibakar Chandra Deka.

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Ludhiana (PTI): Six persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Congress leader Parminder Tiwari, who was hacked to death with an axe on Sunday in Machhiwara here.

Tiwari, the block president of the Congress party from Machhiwara in Ludhiana, was murdered on March 29 while sitting outside his rented quarters near Takhran village

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jaskaranjit Singh Teja stated the case is neither linked to politics nor gang rivalry.

The main accused, Vijay Kumar and Lucky, were apprehended in Jamalpura village in Munger district, Bihar, by a special team dispatched there, police said.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects aimed to illegally occupy a piece of panchayat land in the Machiwara area, but Tiwari opposed their plans. The accused allegedly visited Tiwari at his rented quarters on March 29 and attacked him with an axe, resulting in his immediate death, officials said.

The other four individuals arrested are relatives of the main accused and were aware of the murder plot, the DCP added.

Police have recovered the axe used in the crime, as well as the motorcycle the accused used to flee the scene.