Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

03 Jun

Water as a weapon? Assam CM dismisses Pakistan’s China-Brahmaputra fear

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Amid rising geopolitical friction and renewed debate over regional water politics, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly countered a recent narrative suggesting that China could block the Brahmaputra River’s flow into India. His detailed rebuttal, titled “What If China Stops Brahmaputra Water to India? A Response to Pakistan’s New Scare Narrative,” lays out a clear, fact-based dismissal of what he calls “fear-mongering” tactics from Pakistan. Sarma’s statement follows Pakistan’s anxious response to India stepping away from the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty—a decades-old water-sharing arrangement that many in India now view as outdated and unfavorable. As speculation grew over…

02 Jun

1,500 tourists to be evacuated as BRO rebuilds route to Lachung

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored vital road connectivity to Lachung in Sikkim’s Mangan district, paving the way for the evacuation of nearly 1,500 stranded tourists from Lachung and Lachen starting Monday, officials confirmed. Following heavy rains and a sudden cloudburst on May 30, extensive damage was inflicted across North Sikkim’s key tourist routes, including landslides, breaches, and damaged bridges. The affected roads—Lachung-Chungthang-Shipgyere-Sanklang-Dikchu and others—were left impassable, trapping hundreds of tourists. BRO teams cleared landslides, repaired damaged stretches, and restored one-way vehicular passage near the suspension bridge at Phidang, ensuring safe transit for rescue operations. Two bailey bridges on…

02 Jun

Local leaders restore broken road—and villagers’ faith

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Two newly elected panchayat leaders from Dhubri district in Assam have taken the initiative to repair a crucial village road with their own money—drawing praise and gratitude from the local community. The road, located in Barjan village under the Dingdinga Gram Panchayat in Tamarhat, had been severely damaged by recent monsoon rains. Muddy, broken, and nearly impassable, the stretch had become a daily hazard for hundreds of villagers, particularly school children, farmers, and the elderly.But instead of waiting for government funding or district-level approvals, Ward Member Alamgir Mollah and Anchalik Panchayat Member Manzoor Alam rolled up their sleeves and acted.…

31 May

NEEPCO under fire over Assam flood impact

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A massive flood disaster has unfolded in Assam’s Lakhimpur district after the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) reportedly released water from one of its dams, leading to a sudden and dangerous rise in river levels. The deluge has submerged over 230 villages, displaced thousands, and claimed the life of one resident in Pahumora village. Panic swept through the region early on Friday morning as rising waters inundated homes, croplands, schools, and key roadways. The worst-affected area, the Naoboicha-Gendheli stretch, witnessed the 15th National Highway going underwater, effectively cutting off road connectivity and isolating large sections of the population. Relief…

29 May

Gaurav Gogoi to lead Assam Congress from June 3

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Gaurav Gogoi, newly appointed President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and current Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to formally assume charge on June 3, 2025, in Guwahati. The event will be marked by a public function at the Manvendra Sharma Complex, where senior Congress leaders and party workers are expected to gather in large numbers. In preparation for this significant transition in state party leadership, the Assam Congress held an internal strategy meeting at Rajiv Bhawan, Guwahati, with active participation from senior leaders, including APCC Working President Zakir Hussain Sikdar and General…

28 May

Sikkim calls for action after ‘violation’ of Khangchendzonga’s sanctity

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, voicing serious concern over a recent ascent of Mount Khangchendzonga by a team from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), reportedly from the Nepal side. In his letter, CM Tamang termed the act a “violation of sacred traditions and legal protections,” underscoring that Mount Khangchendzonga is not just a mountain but a revered deity in Sikkimese culture. “The mountain is not just a peak—it is a living deity,” the chief minister wrote, reflecting the public outrage the incident has triggered. Tamang reminded…

28 May

Assam shuts down BIEO, strengthens Vigilance Directorate in major reshuffle

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Government has formally dissolved the Bureau of Investigation (Economic Offences), commonly known as BIEO, and merged it with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption. The decision, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing institutional overlap in investigating economic crimes, comes into effect immediately. According to an official notification issued by the Governor of Assam, the move is part of a broader restructuring strategy designed to optimize the state’s mechanisms for tackling financial fraud and corruption. The government stated that this step was taken in the public interest to ensure better coordination and more focused investigations. As part of the…

26 May

BJP lauds Namchi cops for breaking local drug networks

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commended the state police for their vigorous crackdown on the drug menace in Namchi district, lauding their relentless efforts in curbing substance abuse and dismantling local drug networks. In a statement, the party appreciated the police’s proactive role in enforcement, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, which it said have already begun yielding visible results in improving public safety. The BJP noted that these initiatives have not only disrupted drug peddling operations but also contributed to increased awareness about drug-related harms, particularly among the youth. “The dedication and resolve shown by…

26 May

Assam Police shaken by twin scandals, 4 suspended for misconduct

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major move to reinforce discipline within the Assam Police, authorities have taken strict action against four police personnel involved in two separate incidents of alleged misconduct. Three staff posted at the Jalukbari police checkpost in Guwahati were suspended on Sunday following serious accusations of extorting money from livestock transporters, while a sub-inspector from Gohpur faces suspension for alleged custodial brutality. Those suspended from the Jalukbari post include Constable Shashi Sinha, Home Guard jawan Dharmeshwar Rajbanshi, and vehicle driver Dulal Das. The trio were accused of extorting money from vehicles carrying cattle and buffaloes. The matter came to light…

24 May

Indigenous sentiments hurt as Sacred Peak in Sikkim climbed by army

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has sharply criticised the Indian Army’s recent expedition to Mount Khangchen Dzongna, a peak regarded as sacred by the indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha communities. The group said the climb violates long-standing religious sentiments and state directives that prohibit expeditions on the holy mountain. Mount Khangchen Dzongna is not only Sikkim’s highest peak but is considered a Guardian Deity by local communities. In recognition of its spiritual significance, the Sikkim government has imposed an official ban on climbing the mountain. SIBLAC expressed deep anguish over the army’s actions and called for accountability from the…