Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

31 Jan

Amid “Miya” Comment Row, Sarma Invokes Gandhi; Congress Accuses BJP of Diversion Tactics

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Amid a heightened political and ideological conflict surrounding comments made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding "Miya Muslims," Sarma defended his government's stance on illegal immigration by referencing Mahatma Gandhi. He asserted that protecting Assam’s identity and constitutional rights should not be conflated with hatred or communalism. In response to criticism from Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, Sarma claimed that the late leader would have sided with the Assamese if he were alive today, citing that Gandhi had previously advocated for Assam's territorial integrity during the Partition. Sarma contended that “Bapu” would have supported the Assamese people's fight against…

31 Jan

Local Participation Helps Mitigate Human–Wildlife Conflict in Pobitora Landscape

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

A series of community-based initiatives around Assam’s Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have proven effective in decreasing human–animal conflict (HAC) and enhancing local support for the conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Spanning 38.81 square kilometers, Pobitora is home to 107 rhinos, the highest density globally. Challenges for conservation arise from surrounding agrarian villages experiencing crop damage and safety threats from wild animals, particularly buffaloes and rhinos. Conservation organization Aaranyak, in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and supported by IUCN (CAG), has initiated various strategies to mitigate these issues and promote coexistence. Key interventions include the installation of solar streetlights in…

31 Jan

State Women Commissions Discuss Stronger Complaint Redressal Systems at NCW Capacity-Building Meet

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A delegation from Sikkim attended a two-day interactive and capacity-building meeting organised by the National Commission for Women in New Delhi, aimed at strengthening systems for the protection and welfare of women across the country. The meeting, titled “Shakti Samvaad,” was held on January 29 and 30, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam. It brought together Chairpersons and Member Secretaries of State Women Commissions from all parts of India for detailed discussions on improving the functioning of women-related institutions. The inaugural session was chaired by Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi. The session was also attended by Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, Chairperson of…

31 Jan

Report Alleges Targeted Violence Against Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh

Sonakshi SarkarNews

The Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has alleged a series of targeted attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, including arson and killings, in a report released on Friday. According to RRAG, at least 16 Hindu homes were set on fire between December 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, with seven incidents reported in the past week alone. The reported cases occurred in Mirsarai and Raozan (Chittagong region), Pirojpur, and Sylhet. The organisation listed several affected individuals from these areas whose homes were allegedly destroyed in the fires. RRAG Director Suhas Chakma claimed that attackers deliberately set fire to homes,…

31 Jan

ST Status Row: AKRSU to Launch Protest, Alleges Government Betrayal

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) has accused the BJP-led Assam government of failing to deliver on promises regarding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch Rajbongshi community, leading to planned protests. During a press conference at the Greater Bongaigaon Press Club, AKRSU leaders expressed their discontent with Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, labeling him as misleading. They will conduct a padayatra in Bongaigaon and Chirang districts on February 9. Additionally, on February 14, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Assam, AKRSU intends to hoist black flags in protest. They further criticized the government for engaging…

31 Jan

Over 700 Students Attend ADSU Meet in Dibrugarh; New 60-Member Committee Formed

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The All Dibrugarh Students’ Union (ADSU) held its Executive Committee Meeting along with an Agenda Selection Meeting at the Lalchand Kanai Auditorium of Hanumanbax Surajmal Kanai College in Dibrugarh. The meeting saw large participation from student representatives across the district, reflecting strong involvement and interest among the student community.The programme began at 11 am with the hoisting of the ADSU flag by union president Tanuj Haloi. This was followed by a tribute to martyrs led by general secretary Papu Saikia. The opening session was calm and respectful, setting a serious and focused mood for the discussions that followed.During the day-long…

31 Jan

Educator Behind Bars: Assam Principal Arrested in Abuse Case

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The principal of Missamari Higher Secondary School in Assam’s Sonitpur district has been arrested for allegedly s*xually abusing a Class 9 student during the Saraswati Puja festival on January 23. The incident came to light after the victim's family lodged a complaint, prompted by the student's refusal to attend school, during which she disclosed her traumatic experience. According to the student, the principal made lewd comments and engaged in inappropriate touching. In a concerning detail, it is noted that the accused holds the position of president within the state principals’ association, raising questions about oversight and accountability within the educational…

31 Jan

Assamese Entrepreneurs to Showcase Startup at Augmented World Expo Asia 2026 in Singapore

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Two young innovators from Assam, Manas Kamal Choudhury and Ayusman Bora, have been invited to present their technological advancements at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) Asia 2026 in Singapore from February 2 to 4. Their startup has developed a groundbreaking next-generation operating system, integrated with advanced immersive technologies, placing them among nearly 80 global firms, including major players like Amazon and Meta. This invitation signifies a notable accomplishment for Assam and reflects India's growing indigenous tech landscape, with the duo being among the first representatives from Northeast India at a prominent global technology platform. Central to their innovation is an…

31 Jan

Bangladesh Rights Groups Flag Intimidation of Buddhist Candidates Ahead of Elections

Sonakshi SarkarNews

The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has called for intervention from international election observers, including those from the European Union, Commonwealth, and Japan, regarding alleged threats to indigenous Buddhist parliamentary candidates during the 13th Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. The candidates, Mr. Pahel Chakma from Rangamati and Mr. Dharma Jyoti Chakma from Khagrachari, reportedly received death threats from the armed group Parbatto Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), led by Mr. Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma (Santu Larma), who also chairs the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council. RRAG reported that approximately 75-armed PCJSS members have been deployed by the Bangladesh Army in Khagrachari…

31 Jan

Muslim law board urges SC to take cognizance of Assam CM’s anti-Muslim remarks

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board has condemned recent comments by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, labeling them as "anti-Muslim and deeply divisive." They have urged the Supreme Court of India to take immediate action regarding these remarks, which they believe reflect a normalization of hate speech within political discourse, particularly from senior officials. Spokesperson Dr. S. Q. R. Ilyas criticized Sarma for allegedly calling for harassment against the 'Miyan' community to force them out of Assam and advocating the removal of 4-5 lakh Muslims from voter rolls through Form No. 7. He denounced these actions as unconstitutional, emphasizing…