Sonakshi Sarkar

Assam Tea Tribal Students' Association has launched an indefinite road blockade at Bihubar Augurijan under the Nazira circle in Assam, protesting alleged illegal stone quarrying activities inside the Bihubar Augurijan Tea Garden. The protest, led by ATSA’s Nazira branch, began with demands for immediate eviction drives and a complete halt to ongoing stone extraction operations in the tea garden area. The organisation has also submitted a memorandum to local authorities highlighting its concerns and demands. According to ATSA, large-scale illegal stone quarrying is allegedly taking place in the disputed Assam–Nagaland border region, particularly within the tea garden area. The association…

Himanta Biswa Sarma has warned that those allegedly involved in attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in West Bengal would face action if the BJP comes to power in the state. “We will teach a lesson to those who attacked the candidates of the BJP,” Sarma said after the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections ended on Wednesday evening. The BJP leader expressed confidence over the party’s electoral prospects in both Assam and West Bengal. He claimed that the BJP would win “at least 100 seats in Assam and 200 in West Bengal,” describing the elections…

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a key conspirator linked to a large cyber fraud network as part of its ongoing nationwide drive under Operation Chakra-V. Officials confirmed the development on April 20, saying the arrest is a significant step in cracking down on organised cybercrime. The accused was arrested from Guwahati in the early hours of April 19. He had been on the run since August 2025 and was being tracked for his alleged role in arranging and supplying illegally obtained SIM cards used in various cyber frauds. According to officials, the arrest is part of Operation Chakra-V,…

Severe waterlogging in Guwahati after heavy overnight rain has triggered a sharp political response, with Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia urging the Assam Human Rights Commission to take suo motu cognisance of the situation. The move comes after the death of a woman, which he linked to what he described as repeated failures in urban management. In a letter addressed to AHRC chairperson Justice Arup Kumar Goswami, Saikia said the flooding in the city is not a one-time issue but a continuing problem that is affecting the basic rights of residents. He described the situation as a serious concern for…

The Government of Assam has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in Guwahati on Monday after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods across the city, affecting normal life and movement. The decision applies to both government and private schools and colleges within the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) area. Officials said the step was taken keeping in mind the safety of students, teachers and staff as large parts of the city remained waterlogged following intense rain on April 19. According to the administration, several localities reported severe waterlogging, leading to traffic disruption and difficulties for commuters. Roads in low-lying areas were…

In a major development in the fight against wildlife crime in Assam, a team from Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve has arrested a fugitive allegedly linked to the illegal trade of Royal Bengal Tiger body parts. The arrest comes after months of tracking and intelligence-based operations by forest officials. According to officials, the operation was carried out jointly by the Eastern Range, Gamiri, and the Crime Investigation Range based in Biswanath Chariali. Acting on specific inputs, the team managed to apprehend Ratnakanta Pegu (41), a resident of Aathaishsharia village in Biswanath district. He had been absconding since November 2025…

Scientists and conservationists across Assam on April 17 marked International Bat Appreciation Day with a strong call for greater awareness and protection of bats, a group of animals often feared but considered vital for ecosystems and agriculture. At BN College (Autonomous) in Dhubri, researchers highlighted how myths and misconceptions continue to harm bat populations. Experts said that despite growing scientific evidence about their importance, bats are still widely misunderstood, leading to fear, habitat destruction, and declining numbers. Speaking during a briefing at the Department of Zoology, Dr Azad Ali, who heads the Bat Research and Conservation Division (BRCD), stressed that…

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has called for the immediate implementation of women’s reservation, saying it should not be linked to the census or the delimitation process. His remarks come at a time when political parties are debating how and when the proposed reservation for women in legislatures should be rolled out. In a statement shared on his X handle, Gogoi said the position of the Congress and several opposition parties was clear and straightforward. He said women’s reservation should be implemented without any conditions or delays. At the same time, he added that the national census should be carried out…