Sonakshi Sarkar

A political controversy has erupted in Assam after a short artificial-intelligence (AI) generated video showing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma firing a gun at a person described as an illegal immigrant went viral on social media earlier this month. The video, which appeared on February 7 and quickly spread across several platforms, triggered strong reactions from opposition parties, civil society groups and members of the public. It was later removed, but the political debate around it continues to grow. The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expelled its Social Media Co-Convenor Ron Bikash Gaurav after the controversial video…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 16 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have been expelled from the state. He emphasized the government's commitment to taking prompt measures against infiltrators, asserting that Assam is proactive in safeguarding its territory. Sarma highlighted this stance in a post on X, encouraging swift action to protect the state and dismissing critics as merely making noise.

The 87th CRPF Raising Day Parade will take place in Guwahati on February 21, marking the first occasion that this significant event is hosted in the North East region of India. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the attendance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at this notable celebration of 87 years of the Central Reserve Police Force's service and dedication. A CRPF official emphasized the importance of this event, which will feature a display of courage and cultural heritage. The parade will showcase various high-energy drills performed by specialized units such as Women, CoBRA, and RAF, along with…

On February 11, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a significant accomplishment for the state's tea industry, reporting a 40-million-kilogram increase in tea exports after 25 years. He highlighted that overall tea production in Assam has risen by 50 million kilograms, with orthodox tea now accounting for nearly half of the production, a variety that has garnered strong international demand. In the financial year 2025–26, Assam's tea exports have grown considerably, a trend not mirrored in South India, where production has decreased by 10 million kilograms. Further, total tea sales from Assam increased by 19 million kilograms, with orthodox…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused elements within the Congress party of plotting to stage violent incidents involving their own leaders to garner public sympathy for the upcoming Assembly elections. He announced that police had already taken preventive measures, including an arrest, in response to the alleged conspiracy. During a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma detailed that a whistle-blower from Congress had informed the police about a plan to throw ink on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, purportedly to create a political narrative that would favor the opposition party. Based on this information, the police registered a preventive FIR…

The Supreme Court modified the Gauhati High Court’s order concerning eviction drives in Assam's reserved forests after reviewing the Assam government's affidavit detailing the procedures for such actions. The affidavit stipulates that a Joint Committee of forest and revenue officials will assess the legitimacy of eviction notices, ensuring that occupants can present evidence before any action is taken, with a mandatory 15-day notice for removal on established encroachment. The court upheld the procedural fairness of this approach, prompting Assam's Chief Minister to highlight that over 1,25,326 bighas of forest land have already been freed from encroachment. The ruling favored the…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has indicated that the recent increase in security for Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president and MP Gaurav Gogoi is connected to alleged internal strife within the Congress party. Gogoi raised concerns about security lapses, which led the state Home Department to allocate additional security measures, including three personal security officers and an escort, after he claimed threats to his safety. In response to media inquiries in Bongaigaon, Sarma stated that Guwahati Police had received specific intel regarding an alleged plan to fabricate an incident for “sympathy.” He confirmed that an investigation was underway and…

In a significant initiative to preserve indigenous wisdom, Kaziranga Park authorities, partnered with the Assam State Biodiversity Board (ASBB) and the Assam Project on Forest & Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) Phase II, have documented over 150 tradeable natural resources crucial to the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of communities surrounding Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. This comprehensive effort highlights the importance of high-biodiversity areas in cultivating habitats for these resources, vital for the livelihoods of local communities. The documented semi-wild resources, which include seasonal fruits, vegetables, medicinal plants, and fibers, thrive in Kaziranga's ecosystems. They not only have practical uses but…