Sonakshi Sarkar

On December 1, 2025, the “Kinepna” Women Empowerment Centre was inaugurated in Churachandpur, Manipur, by the Assam Rifles to support displaced tribal women. The center provides a safe space for skill development and community support aimed at helping these women rebuild their lives. The inauguration, attended by over 150 individuals and civil society organizations, reflects collaboration between the Assam Rifles and the local community. Kinepna focuses on training in handloom weaving, tailoring, and entrepreneurial skills, fostering self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods. This initiative underscores Assam Rifles’ commitment to inclusive development and strengthening community bonds in the Northeast.

Rakibul Hussain, a Member of Parliament representing the Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency and a senior leader of the Congress party, called for the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge over the Brahmaputra to be named after renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. Hussain praised Garg as a significant cultural figure, stating that he embodied the pride and identity of the Assamese nation and played a crucial role in promoting Assamese music on national and international platforms. The MP announced plans to meet with the relevant Union Minister regarding this proposal. This follows Gaurav Gogoi, MP from Jorhat and President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee,…

The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations, Assam (CCTOA) met with Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu to discuss the proposal for granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities, as per the Assam Cabinet's November 30, 2025 decision. Minister Pegu outlined the Group of Ministers' report and invited the CCTOA to review sections of the report before forming an expert committee to submit feedback within a month. The CCTOA, representing 26 tribal groups, expressed concerns regarding potential impacts on existing ST rights. A second round of discussions with the Group of Ministers is planned after a month, with intentions to engage…

The Assam Government has enacted a comprehensive ban on all forms of radical or jihadi literature, invoking Section 98 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This directive specifically prohibits the publication, printing, circulation, distribution, sale, exhibition, possession, and storage—both physical and digital—of materials associated with extreme organizations such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), and Ansar-Al-Islam/pro-AQIS, among others. The ban extends to any digital platforms, including websites, social media, encrypted channels, and online groups that promote extremist content, aiming to safeguard internal security and prevent youth from succumbing to radical propaganda. The directive mandates strict enforcement…

On Wednesday, Assam Chief Secretary Dr Ravi Kota visited the Tech City at Bongora, located near LGBI Airport in Guwahati, accompanied by officials from AMTRON, PWD, and other stakeholders. The visit aimed to review the progress of the IIM Guwahati Transit Campus, which is scheduled to become operational for the 2026 academic session. Dr. Kota emphasized the necessity of completing the physical facilities on time, with the Tech City, developed by AMTRON under the Department of IT, Goa, covering 104 acres and 100 acres currently under acquisition. This project is the first Electronics & IT hub in the North East,…

Despite significant evidence of large-scale fraud in the disbursement of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, the Manipur Agriculture Department has not taken substantial legal action to recover ₹65.49 crore erroneously allocated to ineligible beneficiaries. This inaction is highlighted by audits and Right to Information (RTI) proceedings that reveal deep systemic manipulation and collusion by departmental insiders who authorized registrations without proper verification. The initial exposure of these irregularities occurred in an audit conducted by the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Manipur, which uncovered numerous violations, such as unauthorized payments, enrollment of ineligible individuals, and benefits incorrectly…

Assam’s young karate player Tanuska Borah has brought honour to the state by winning a gold medal at a major national event. Tanuska achieved this milestone at the All India Inter Zonal Karate Championship 2025, which was held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The event saw the participation of players from different zones of the country, and Tanuska stood out with her strong performance. Tanuska trains at the Shadow Martial Art Academy in Nagaon. According to her coaches, she has been working hard for several months, balancing her studies and sports practice. Her dedication paid off when…

The Asam Sahitya Sabha announced significant cultural and literary initiatives during its centenary celebrations at Chandrakanta Handique Bhawan, including a revised history of Assam and the Assamese people to address historical gaps. President Dr. Basanta Kumar Goswami highlighted the Sabha's commitment to recognizing digital creativity by publishing literary works from social media in book formats. Additionally, the first Chandra Kanta Dictionary edition will be released digitally, featuring spellcheck capabilities for students. The Sabha also plans a year-long program for young writers, commemorating its journal's centenary in 2026, marked by attendance from esteemed writers and cultural scholars.