Sonakshi Sarkar

In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the unique identity of vulnerable communities, the Assam government announced on Thursday that tribals, tea tribes, Morans, and Motoks will be exempt from the two-child policy for government employment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference after chairing the state cabinet meeting, said the exemption was crucial to prevent gradual extinction of these communities. “If we stick to the policy, these populations will lose their distinct identities and gradually become extinct in the next 50 years,” Sarma said. He noted that the Moran community alone numbers just around one lakh, highlighting…

Assam’s Congress Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Debabrata Saikia, has raised serious concerns over the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of controlling and influencing the probe. Saikia has demanded a fully independent and transparent investigation to ensure justice is delivered. Addressing the media, Saikia claimed that the Chief Minister’s remarks on the case have “created confusion” among the public and cast doubt on the authenticity of the ongoing investigation. “From his statements, it appears the investigation may not be entirely transparent,” he said, suggesting that Sarma…

In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the sudden demise of Assam’s celebrated singer Zubeen Garg, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Assam is set to depart for Singapore today. The move comes as authorities aim to follow key leads linked to the high-profile case. The SIT team will be led by Munna Prasad Gupta, Special DGP (CID) and SIT Chief, along with Investigating Officer Tarun Goel. The delegation’s primary objective will be to retrace Zubeen Garg’s movements during his visit to Singapore and verify the sequence of events surrounding his final international trip. This phase of…

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi today visited Assam to pay an emotional tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg, who passed away recently under tragic circumstances in Singapore. Arriving at Borjhar Airport at around 1:30 PM, Rahul Gandhi immediately proceeded to Sonapur to honor the legendary singer at his cremation site in Komarkuchi. During the memorial ceremony, Rahul Gandhi offered floral tributes and presented a traditional Assamese gamosa, a mark of respect in the state. In a touching gesture, he also planted a Nahor tree near the site, paying homage to one of Zubeen Garg’s favorite trees.…

In a landmark decision aimed at protecting the spiritual and cultural legacy of Assam, the state government has approved the establishment of the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission. The new body will be vested with quasi-judicial powers to safeguard Vaishnavite monasteries—locally known as Satras—along with their ancestral lands and artefacts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. The proposed Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025, is designed to uphold the centuries-old Vaishnavite tradition initiated by the 15th-century saint-reformer Srimanta Sankardeva. The commission will work to protect the physical structures, cultural practices, and sacred manuscripts of Satras,…