riya Editor

In the ongoing Assembly elections in Assam, Shyuli Mohilary, spouse of BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, has garnered significant attention as one of the wealthiest candidates, with total declared assets of ₹54 crore. Competing for the first time in the Kokrajhar constituency as a member of the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), her financial affidavit indicates an income of ₹9.33 crore for the fiscal year 2024–25 and liquid cash holdings of ₹31.69 lakh. Her movable assets are valued at ₹30.51 crore, consisting of funds in 37 bank accounts, gold jewelry worth ₹32.50 lakh, and a diverse vehicle fleet totaling 32, including both…

The scrutiny process for nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam has validated 776 candidates as of March 24, with the scrutiny for two constituencies—Barpeta (SC) and Dhekiajuli—having been adjourned to March 25, according to an official statement. A total of 124 constituencies has completed the scrutiny, leaving only the two constituencies awaiting final clearance. Altogether, 815 candidates submitted 1,389 nomination papers ahead of the election scheduled for April 9. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nominations is March 26, before 3 PM, as outlined by the Election Commission of India. Among the candidate's still awaiting…

In a significant advancement towards sustainable peace in Assam, Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), United Kuki Defence Army (UKDA), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA/KLO), have announced the dissolution of their armed organizations following the signing of a Memorandum of Settlement with the Central and state governments on March 15. This agreement, effective March 23, has marked a notable transition from armed conflict to a phase of cooperation and reconciliation, which the groups described as a “historic milestone.” The disbanded organizations have instructed their members to vacate designated camps and reintegrate into civilian life…

Assam's political landscape reveals a significant contrast between high voter turnout among women and the precarious political status of women leaders. With over 1.24 crore women voters constituting nearly half of the electorate, women achieved impressive turnout rates of 82.42% in the 2021 Assembly elections and 84.72% in 2016. However, women politicians face systemic exclusion and instability, exemplified by incidents like Nandita Gorlosa, who shifted from the Bharatiya Janata Party to the Indian National Congress after being dropped from the ticket list. Similarly, the Bodoland People's Front replaced veteran leader Pramila Rani Brahma, despite her desire to contest her final…

The Central government informed the Lok Sabha that it does not maintain centralized data on hate speech, racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination against individuals from the Northeast. In response to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that matters of "police" and "public order" are under the jurisdiction of state governments, which are tasked with the prevention, detection, registration, investigation of crimes, and prosecution of offenders. While the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) compiles crime statistics from states and Union Territories in its annual reports, it does not track incidents of discrimination against Northeastern individuals…

In a significant move against financial fraud, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached assets totaling ₹13.41 crore linked to a money laundering investigation involving DB Stock Consultancy and its owner, Deepankar Barman. This action is part of a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, which has unveiled a large-scale alleged Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of investors nationwide. The inquiry originated from an FIR filed at Paltan Bazar Police Station in August 2024 and was subsequently taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), indicating the case's severity. The ED’s investigation revealed that DB…

In the lead-up to the Assam Assembly elections, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme has launched various initiatives aimed at increasing voter awareness and turnout. These initiatives include a diverse range of activities such as street plays, drawing and rangoli competitions, slogan writing, digital poster making, wall writing, news presentations, and workshops. The Chief Electoral Officer of Assam stated that these activities are organized systematically across all districts to enhance awareness of citizens' democratic rights and responsibilities. To engage voters, districts have introduced various mascots, such as ‘Bakhar’ in Lakhimpur and ‘Ganabandhu’ in Sonitpur, while notable figures,…

An alleged suicide bid by a policeman at Assam's Baksa district jail where five accused in the Zubeen Garg death case are lodged has triggered security scare at the high-security prison on Tuesday. The police constable, identified as Gunajit Baishya of the 24th India Reserve (IR) Battalion, shot himself with his service rifle. He has received bullet wound on his chest and has been admitted to a hospital in Guwahati. The incident triggered alarm inside the jail where five Zubeen case accused, including Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddhartha Sharma, are currently lodged in judicial custody and they are perceived to be…

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced its first list of 21 candidates for the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 on March 23, marking a strategic move to extend its influence beyond its Jharkhand stronghold. The list, signed by General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, includes candidates from key constituencies across Upper Assam and reflects the party's ambition to be a significant player in Assam's multifaceted electoral arena. Among the prominent nominees are Priti Rekha Barla from Mazbat, Teharu Gour from Biswanath, Amit Nag from Khumtai, and Bhubem Murari from Chabua, with additional candidates such as Phedicrson Hasda (Gossaigaon), Baldev Teli (Sonari), and…