Sonakshi Sarkar

The Assam government has announced immediate measures to restore nearly 400 hectares of damaged forest in the Behali Reserve Forest and strengthen security along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary following reports of large-scale encroachment and destruction. Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced the decision after visiting the affected areas on Thursday on the directions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He was accompanied by senior officials from the Forest Department, Assam Police and the civil administration to assess the extent of the damage and review the existing security arrangements. According to the state government, satellite imagery and drone surveys comparing the condition…

Sixteen-year-old para cyclist Lisha Das from Assam's Biswanath district has created history by becoming the first para-athlete from the state to qualify for the XXIII Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.A Class XI student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Biswanath, Lisha has been selected to represent India in the para track cycling event. At just 16 years of age, she is also the youngest athlete in India's contingent for the Glasgow Games, adding another milestone to her achievement.Her selection marks a significant moment for Assam's sporting history and highlights the growing presence…

The Assam government has permitted restaurants in Guwahati to remain open until 3:30 am on select dates this month to enable football fans to watch the FIFA World Cup semi-final and final matches without inconvenience. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Guwahati district administration has been authorised to extend restaurant operating hours until 3:30 am on July 15, 16, 19 and 20. The extended timings will coincide with the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and the final, which are scheduled to be played late at night in India due to the time difference. Making the announcement on social media…

The flood situation in Assam deteriorated further on Wednesday, with the death toll rising to four and more than 37,000 people affected as floodwaters spread across several parts of the state, according to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).The latest flood-related death was reported from the Chariduar Revenue Circle in Sonitpur district. Officials said the victim had gone missing on the night of July 13 after floodwaters inundated the area. The body was recovered the following day, taking the total number of flood-related deaths in the state this season to four. ASDMA said the number of people affected by…

The Assam Rifles has paid tribute to Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, who was killed in the line of duty after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck an Assam Rifles convoy in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district on Monday. Several other personnel were injured in the attack, which has prompted an intensified security operation in the area. The explosion took place near Sokhuvi village when unidentified miscreants targeted the moving convoy. Initial reports had suggested that three personnel were killed in the blast. However, official confirmation later clarified that one soldier, Havildar Mohammad Iqbal, made the supreme sacrifice in the attack. The injured personnel…

Three Assam Rifles personnel were killed and several others were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck an Assam Rifles convoy in Nagaland's Chumoukedima district on Monday, triggering a major security operation in the area, officials said.The attack took place near Sokhuvi village when unidentified assailants targeted the moving convoy. According to initial reports, an IED was hurled at the convoy, causing a powerful explosion. Three personnel died on the spot, while several others sustained injuries.The injured personnel were shifted to a medical facility for treatment. However, officials have not yet released details about their condition. The incident is…

Assam is planning to strengthen tourism infrastructure around Kaziranga National Park following an unprecedented rise in tourist arrivals, with the state government deciding to facilitate the construction of premium hotels under the Hyatt and Taj brands.State Tourism Minister Atul Bora said Kaziranga has recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall this year, attracting a record number of visitors from across India as well as overseas. He said the growing popularity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site has created an urgent need to expand accommodation and other tourism facilities in the area. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bora said the increase in tourist…

Hundreds of members of the Bodo community staged a protest at Malgaon along the Kokrajhar district border on Sunday, opposing the allotment of Tribal Belt and Block land to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and the proposed rehabilitation of 93 evicted Muslim families from Kaimari in the area. Carrying placards and raising slogans, the protesters demanded that the Assam Government and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Government withdraw the land allotment, claiming that the move would affect land protected for indigenous tribal communities. The demonstration remained peaceful, with participants insisting that their agitation would continue until their demands…

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday extended his greetings to the people of the state, particularly the Tiwa community, on the occasion of the Wanchuwa Festival, describing it as a celebration that reflects Assam's rich tribal heritage, gratitude towards nature and the spirit of community living. In his message, the Chief Minister said Wanchuwa is an important post-harvest festival that celebrates a successful harvest while strengthening social bonds and preserving the cultural identity of the indigenous Tiwa community. "Heartiest greetings to everyone, especially my brothers and sisters of the Tiwa community, on the occasion of Wanchuwa Festival. A…