Sonakshi Sarkar

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava announced that the railway line connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan is expected to be completed within three years. This project includes a 69-km Kokrajhar-Gelephu line and a 20-km connection between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan). Chief Administrative Officer, NFR (Construction), Hitendra Goyal, noted that the Assam project will proceed swiftly once construction begins, supported by a positive state government. However, the West Bengal segment is experiencing delays due to land acquisition issues. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw previously highlighted these projects' potential to enhance trade, tourism, and bilateral…

The Supreme Court has provided interim relief to IAS officer Talo Potom by staying a Gauhati High Court order that had revoked his bail. The original bail was granted on November 4, following his remand to judicial custody on October 27, but was cancelled by the Gauhati High Court on January 23. A division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar, issued the interim order, halting the high court's decision and allowing four weeks for the filing of counter affidavits, with the matter to be revisited in six weeks. Additionally, Potom was permitted…

In East Khasi Hills, the District Magistrate has enacted an immediate ban on the transportation, storage, sale, and distribution of illegally imported fish from Bangladesh. This order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, prohibits any movement or marketing of such fish without appropriate legal documentation, and forbids the use of vehicles for these activities. The directive responds to significant reports of fish smuggling through various routes, citing risks to public health, legal compliance, biodiversity, and economic stability. Violators will face serious legal consequences under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, as…

Amid increasing political engagement leading to the Assembly elections, the All-India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) has declared its intention to contest independently. At a press conference, party representatives criticized the Congress party, urging it to broaden its focus beyond the 22 constituencies with substantial “Miya” populations to include the other 104 constituencies in Assam, particularly in Upper Assam. AIUDF argued that failure to do so would hinder the formation of an opposition government in the state. The party further cautioned Congress to manage figures like Akhil Gogoi and Lurinjyoti Gogoi carefully, while alleging the presence of “traitors” within Congress and…

The Union Budget for 2026–27 has set aside Rs 500 crore as a special package for factions of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), with the funds aimed primarily at the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres and their reintegration into mainstream society. The allocation has been made under the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), according to the budget documents presented in Parliament. The funding follows the Memorandum of Settlement signed on December 29, 2023, between the Centre, the Assam government and the pro-talks faction of ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit…

The Assam government hosted a significant felicitation ceremony at the Rudra Singha Sports Complex in Dispur to honor NCC cadets returning from the Republic Day Camp (RDC) 2026 in New Delhi. With the largest-ever contingent from the NCC Northeastern Region (NER), consisting of 176 cadets, Assam contributed 129, including 45 members of the All-Girls Band from St Francis School, Guwahati, whose performances were highly praised and brought pride to the state. The NER contingent excelled at the camp, winning significant awards, including the Best Group Song for their original piece "Vatan," which earned them the Cultural Competition Trophy. Cadets showcased…

In a significant eviction operation in Assam's Barak Valley, authorities commenced a drive on February 2, targeting 522 families for removal from the Gharmura Inner Line Reserved Forest in Hailakandi district. The operation, initiated around 7 am in the Damchhera area, is a collaborative effort between the district administration and the Forest Department and is expected to span until February 4. Its primary goal is to reclaim protected forest land and prevent further encroachments. To facilitate this large-scale eviction, 35 JCB machines have been deployed, along with enhanced security measures featuring over 1,500 personnel and nearly 200 Forest Department officials.…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, saying it is a reform-oriented budget that will bring direct benefits to Assam and the Northeastern states through higher financial transfers, infrastructure development and support to key sectors. Reacting to the Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sarma said the proposals balance India’s national growth goals with the development needs of regions like the Northeast. He stated that the Budget focuses not only on long-term economic growth but also on practical outcomes at the grassroots level. The Chief Minister said one of the most important gains…

In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the healthcare system in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated several development projects totaling an impressive investment of Rs 3,679 crore. A key highlight was the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), projected to cost Rs 3,300 crore. This redevelopment aims to position GMCH as one of the largest government medical colleges in eastern India, significantly augmenting its capacity with 2,250 beds in general wards, 400 beds in private wards, specialized operation theatres, a 250-bed ICU ward, and extensive parking for 1,670 vehicles. Additionally, the…