A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Manipur in the early hours of Tuesday, sending tremors across parts of the Northeast. According to officials, the quake occurred at 5:59 am IST, catching residents off guard as many rushed out of their homes in fear.

Epicentre and Depth

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the epicentre was located in Kamjong district of Manipur. The earthquake originated at a depth of 62 kilometres beneath the surface, which likely reduced the intensity of surface damage despite being widely felt.

Tremors Across Region

Apart from Manipur, tremors were reported in neighbouring states including Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya. Residents in several towns said the shaking lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to prompt evacuation from homes and buildings.

No Major Damage Yet

Authorities have not reported any immediate loss of life or significant property damage. Local administration teams remain on alert, and assessments are underway to determine if remote or vulnerable areas have suffered any impact.

Panic Among Residents

Eyewitness accounts suggested widespread panic, especially in urban centres. Many people stepped out into open spaces as a precaution. Schools and offices were yet to report any disruption, but the sudden tremor created anxiety among residents.

Ongoing State Tensions

The earthquake comes amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, where law and order issues continue to disrupt normal life. Recent incidents of violence, protests and shutdowns have already strained public services in both valley and hill districts.

Protests and Shutdowns

Earlier this month, multiple organisations had called for shutdowns in protest against killings and violence in the state. Several districts witnessed closures of schools, markets and public transport, affecting daily life across the region.

Security Concerns Rise

Officials said security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas following recent violent incidents. Protests in Imphal and surrounding regions have occasionally turned tense, adding to concerns about public safety and governance challenges.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation after the Manipur earthquake. Experts note that the Northeast falls under a high seismic zone, making such tremors relatively frequent.

What Lies Ahead

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks. As per latest inputs, no aftershocks have been reported so far.

In a significant breakthrough for justice and social accountability, the Delhi Police arrested Ruby Jain on Wednesday following a widely condemned incident of racial abuse in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. The arrest comes after a viral video surfaced showing Jain and her husband, Harsh Singh, hurling derogatory slurs at three women from Arunachal Pradesh.

The incident has reignited a national conversation regarding the safety and dignity of the Northeast community in metropolitan hubs. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has personally intervened, stating that "strict legal action" will be taken to ensure such "shameful" behavior is met with the full force of the law.

The Spark: A Domestic Dispute Escalates into Hate

The confrontation reportedly began on February 20 over a seemingly trivial domestic issue. The three victims, residing in a fourth-floor flat, had hired an electrician to install an air conditioner. During the process, minor dust and debris fell onto the first-floor balcony belonging to Ruby Jain and Harsh Singh.

What should have been a neighborly conversation quickly spiraled into targeted harassment. According to the police complaint:

• The accused couple allegedly used racial slurs, including "momo" and "gutter-chaap."

• Ruby Jain was filmed questioning the women's character, making defamatory remarks about their profession.

• The couple reportedly used their alleged political connections to intimidate the victims.

Police Action and the SC/ST Act

Following the viral spread of the footage and a formal complaint, the Delhi Police registered an FIR at the Malviya Nagar Police Station. Ruby Jain arrested under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

1. Section 196: Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of race or place of birth (a non-bailable offense).

2. Section 79: Acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

3. Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation.

While Harsh Singh expressed "shame" in a recent statement to ANI, claiming the remarks were made in the "heat of the moment," authorities are proceeding with a zero-tolerance approach toward Delhi Racist Comments.

National Leaders Condemn the Incident

The case has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu emphasized that the safety of "our sisters" is a top priority, while Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma noted that there is "no excuse for insult in a diverse country like India."

"We will teach a lesson that people from the Northeast should not be treated badly," stated Kiren Rijiju. "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we have created a special force within the Delhi Police to handle these specific issues."

Takeaways for Residents: Knowing Your Rights

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal protections available to citizens. If you or someone you know faces discrimination:

• Record Evidence: As seen in this case, video evidence is crucial for police intervention.

• Contact SPUNER: The Special Police Unit for North East Region (SPUNER) can be reached at the 1093 helpline.

• File an FIR: Racial slurs and criminal intimidation are cognizable offenses under the BNS.

The arrest of Ruby Jain marks a pivotal step in ensuring that Delhi remains a welcoming space for all, regardless of their regional identity.

In a disturbing incident highlighting ongoing Northeast women discrimination, three women from Arunachal Pradesh faced racist slurs in Delhi on February 20, 2026. The altercation in Malviya Nagar escalated from a minor dispute over debris, leading to an FIR against neighbors Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain. A viral video has now brought the case to light, underscoring why racist slurs in Delhi remain a pressing issue in India's cultural landscape.

The women, renting a fourth-floor flat, called an electrician for AC installation around 3:30 PM. Drilling caused dust to fall onto the first-floor balcony of Singh and Jain, igniting the argument. What began as a complaint about littering quickly turned ugly, with the accused hurling ethnic insults.

The Viral Video and Allegations

In the surfaced footage, Ruby Jain is seen confronting the victims aggressively. She allegedly called them "momo" – a racist slur targeting Northeast features – and accused them of being "prostitutes" running a massage parlor for ₹500. Jain even made lewd remarks, saying, "If you want to know how young my husband is, then go into the bedroom with him."

Harsh Singh reportedly joined in with abusive language. When one victim referred to him as an "old man," Jain retorted by claiming he was the son of a "big politician" and escalated with more derogatory comments. A police officer present tried to intervene, but the damage was done.

The victims described the slurs as not just personal but an attack on the Northeast community's dignity. "Such incidents make us feel like outsiders in our own country," one shared anonymously.

Police Action and Legal Ramifications

Delhi Police registered an FIR at Malviya Nagar station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections: 79 (insulting a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention), and 196 (promoting enmity based on race or place of birth). No arrests have occurred yet, as no physical injuries were reported, but mental harassment is alleged.

A senior officer confirmed the investigation is ongoing. The women demand a formal apology, emphasizing accountability to curb Malviya Nagar incidents like this.

Broader Implications for Northeast Discrimination

This case echoes a troubling trend of racist slurs in Delhi against Northeast residents, often fueled by stereotypes. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned it on social media, urging an end to such bias. "Discrimination against our Northeast brothers and sisters must stop," he posted.

Expert perspectives highlight systemic issues. Dr. Priya Sharma, a sociologist at Jawaharlal Nehru University, notes, "These incidents stem from cultural ignorance and urban migration pressures. Education on diversity is key to prevention."

Why now? Amid India's push for unity under initiatives like 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,' this event exposes gaps in cultural integration. It aligns with recent reports of rising hate crimes, making it timely for public discourse.

Practical Takeaways for Readers

To combat Northeast women discrimination:

- Report incidents promptly to police or helplines like 1091 for women.

- Educate communities through workshops on cultural sensitivity.

- Support Northeast-led organizations advocating for equality.

This Malviya Nagar incident serves as a wake-up call. As Delhi evolves into a multicultural hub, fostering respect is essential to prevent future racist slurs in Delhi. Until then, victims' voices remind us: Unity demands action.

New Government Takes Shape in Manipur as Khemchand Set to Become Chief Minister

 In a significant political development, Manipur is poised to get a new government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yumnam Khemchand, ending nearly a year of Central rule. The move signals an attempt to restore stability in the state ravaged by ethnic strife.

According to sources, Yumnam Khemchand arrived in Imphal on Wednesday and is expected to meet the Governor to formally stake claim to form the government. He will then take oath as the Chief Minister, heading a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. In a notable step towards inclusive leadership, the new cabinet is likely to feature two Deputy Chief Ministers, including Kuki leader Nemcha Kipgen, who would become the state's first woman Deputy CM.

A Delicate Balance of Leadership

The decision follows a meeting of the Manipur BJP legislative party in New Delhi on Tuesday, where Yumnam Khemchand, the MLA from Singjamei, was elected as its leader. The names are expected to be ratified in a meeting of NDA MLAs.

Khemchand, a former Speaker and minister in the previous Biren Singh cabinet, is seen as a figure from the majority Meitei community but with a more moderate stance. His outreach to Kuki-dominated areas in late 2025 marked him as a potential bridge-builder.

Historic Inclusion in the Cabinet

The proposed cabinet structure aims to address the state's deep ethnic divisions. The two Deputy Chief Minister roles are strategically assigned:

Nemcha Kipgen: A BJP MLA from the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi constituency, she has served as a minister in previous governments. Her inclusion is a direct outreach to the Kuki-Zo community.

 Losii Dikho: An MLA from the Naga People’s Front (NPF), representing the Naga community, ensuring broader tribal representation.

This arrangement attempts to balance the political equation after violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities forced the resignation of then-CM N. Biren Singh in February 2025, leading to the imposition of President's Rule.

Why This Government Formation Matters Now

The timing is critical. President's Rule is set to expire on February 12, 2026. The BJP, with 37 MLAs in the 60-member house (now suspended), is maneuvering to install a government for the remainder of the term until 2027. The new leadership's immediate and immense challenge will be to navigate the complex path to lasting peace.

Background: The Roots of the Conflict

The ethnic violence that precipitated the political crisis stemmed from several key issues:

Scheduled Tribe (ST) Status Demand: A Manipur High Court order in April 2023 to consider ST status for the Meitei community ignited Kuki fears over land rights and demographic change in the hills.

Separate Administration Demand: Sections of the Kuki-Zo community have escalated calls for a separate administrative unit, a demand rejected by the state government.

Drug Trade Allegations: Accusations by Meitei groups and the former government implicating Kukis in drug trafficking from Myanmar have fueled severe mistrust.

The formation of this new government, with its unprecedented structure, is a major political experiment for Manipur. All eyes will now be on Chief Minister-designate Yumnam Khemchand and his team to see if this coalition can translate political symbolism into tangible peace and reconciliation on the ground.