Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

31 Jan

NIA court convicts two more in Assam’s Ansarullah Bangla Team Case

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Assam has convicted two more individuals in connection with the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) case, marking a crucial development in the ongoing crackdown against terror networks. With this verdict, the total number of convicted accused in the case has now reached nine. The court sentenced Mufti Suleiman Ali and Imran Hossen under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Both convicts received six months of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹500 under Section 120(B) of the IPC. In case of failure to…

30 Jan

Sikkim’s Cancer cases hit record high in 2024

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Cancer cases in Sikkim have seen a dramatic rise, with the number reaching 551 in 2024, nearly doubling from 236 in 2015. The sharp increase in cases has sparked concern among health experts, particularly with a notable spike in the past two years. According to Dr. Ashish Rai, Head of the Oncology Department at STNM Hospital, this surge in cancer cases reflects both growing awareness and the improved availability of medical facilities in the state. The cancer prevalence rate in Sikkim stands at 91.8 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than the national average of 100.4 per 100,000. However, the increasing…

30 Jan

Assam Bureaucrat arrested in high-profile corruption case

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell has arrested Indreswar Kalita, Secretary of the Assam Excise Department, in connection with a corruption probe. The arrest follows raids conducted at his residence in Guwahati, in response to a complaint alleging the possession of disproportionate assets. The raid was carried out at Kalita’s flat in Nirvana Apartment, located in the Sundarpur area. According to sources, the senior bureaucrat is accused of accumulating wealth far beyond his known sources of income. Vigilance officials reportedly found multiple assets, including land holdings in prime areas such as Beltola and Bhetapara, during their search. The operation was…

29 Jan

Mizo communities in Assam push for reconnection with Mizoram

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Mizo communities residing in the Singla and Langkaih valleys of Assam's Karimganj district have reiterated their long-standing demand to merge with Mizoram. During a meeting on Tuesday, leaders of the Thangram Indigenous People's Movement (TIPM) urged Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma to take steps to facilitate their inclusion in Mizoram. The TIPM, representing over 30,000 Zo ethnic people inhabiting 24 villages across 180 square miles, stated that their culture, religion, and identity would be better protected within Mizoram. A TIPM leader, speaking anonymously, emphasized the region's historical ties to Mizoram, noting that the area, known locally as "Thangram," was part…

29 Jan

Sikkim CM highlights local employment protection at SKM meeting

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has announced the implementation of a temporary work permit system at the Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) level to regulate the influx of external workers into Sikkim. The decision, revealed during the 4th SKM legislators' meeting at Samman Bhawan, aims to safeguard local employment opportunities and address concerns over unauthorized workforce entry. The system will enable stricter monitoring of outsider workforce deployment, ensuring fair employment practices while prioritizing the interests of local communities. The meeting, which included SKM legislators, advisors, and officials, also highlighted preparations for the party's 13th Foundation Day celebrations. Members were encouraged to…

28 Jan

Sikkim celebrates Sonam Lhochhar with vibrant performances and unity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim marked the pre-celebration of the Sonam Lhochhar festival on January 27 at Joutar Ground, Soreng, with vibrant cultural performances and a message of unity. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the event as a "festival of pride" and emphasized its significance in preserving the traditions of the Tamang community. Highlighting the decision to pre-celebrate, CM Tamang stated, “January 30 is a notified holiday for Sonam Lhochhar, allowing the Tamang people to celebrate at home with prayers and blessings. The state-level event today enables wider participation while respecting traditional observances.” The celebration, attended by diverse communities, reflected the inclusive approach…

28 Jan

Gang of five steals ₹1 lakh from petrol depot in Tinsukia’s Pengeri Chariali

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A petrol depot in Pengeri Chariali, Tinsukia district, was targeted by a gang of armed robbers, leaving the community in shock and fear. The incident occurred late Tuesday night when a group of five masked assailants stormed the depot owned by local businessman Binanda Sonowal. The culprits arrived in a black Venue SUV, conspicuously missing a number plate, which added to the intrigue surrounding the case. Witnesses reported that the gang wielded pistols, intimidating staff and customers present at the time. In a matter of minutes, the robbers looted over ₹1 lakh in cash before speeding away, leaving no immediate…

27 Jan

CAP Chief Ganesh Rai slams SKM Government on Foundation Day

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Citizen Action Party (CAP) chief Ganesh Rai launched a scathing attack on the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government during the party’s third foundation day celebration in Rangpo. Rai accused the SKM of rampant corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and failure to fulfill electoral promises, asserting CAP’s commitment to clean and accountable governance. Marking 50 years of Sikkim’s integration with India, Rai expressed disappointment over the state’s political direction, claiming that personal interests have consistently overshadowed public welfare. “Ministers and politicians have been bought and sold, but CAP remains steadfast in its principles of transparency and accountability,” Rai stated. He…

27 Jan

Luxury vehicle used for smuggling liquor in Doomdooma, one arrested

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a joint operation on Republic Day, Assam Police, the excise department, and security forces successfully intercepted a vehicle carrying a large consignment of liquor in Doomdooma, leading to the arrest of one individual. The operation was part of a broader effort to curb illegal activities in the region. Officials reported that the vehicle was stopped at a naka-checkpoint on the national highway near Borhapjan. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the liquor was being transported from Kailashpur to Barekuri, allegedly intended for unauthorized sale. What raised suspicions further was the use of a luxury vehicle equipped with a fake…

24 Jan

Sikkim’s Tsomgo Lake gets 50,000 new trees for sustainability

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

plantation drive has been launched around Sikkim’s iconic Tsomgo Lake. Spearheaded by Grow-Trees.com, the initiative aims to plant 50,000 more trees, raising the total to two lakh.Tsomgo Lake, a glacial marvel in the Himalayas, recorded an unprecedented 2,628 visitors in a single day in 2024. While tourism bolsters the local economy, it also heightens pollution and habitat degradation.“Tourism, while beneficial, poses risks to fragile ecosystems,” said Pradip Shah, co-founder of Grow-Trees.com. “Our efforts focus on increasing green cover to promote sustainable tourism.” The project emphasizes planting resilient native species like Rhododendron and Silver Fir, suited to the Himalayan climate. Local…