Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

23 Sep

Assam says goodbye to Zubeen Garg with tears in their eyes as sister Palme Borthakur lights the cremation pyre

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam came to a standstill on Tuesday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to the state’s most beloved musical icon, Zubeen Garg. The funeral of the legendary singer, composer, and actor was held with full honour and reverence at Kamarkuchi NC village under the Sonapur revenue circle, nearly 20 kilometres from Guwahati. In a rare departure from tradition, Zubeen’s sister, Palme Borthakur, performed the mukhagni ritual, lighting the funeral pyre of her brother. She was joined by Arun Garg and Rahul Gautam Sarma in giving the last fire. The decision to have his sister lead the final rites reflected the…

22 Sep

Sikkim MP calls for a quick cultural design and railway survey for Rangpo station

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim’s long-standing demand for stronger railway connectivity gained fresh momentum on Monday as the state’s lone MP, Indra Hang Subba, met Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu in the national capital. The meeting focused on two key projects — the proposed Melli–Dentam railway link and the under-construction Sevoke–Rangpo line, which will soon connect Sikkim to India’s railway network for the first time. Subba pressed the ministry to expedite the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the Melli–Dentam link, calling it critical for boosting accessibility in the hilly state and unlocking new opportunities for socio-economic development. The survey had earlier…

22 Sep

Fans come first for Himanta at Zubeen’s tribute: no VIP culture

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday made it clear that the final tributes to music legend Zubeen Garg must remain a people’s event, free from the trappings of VIP culture. As the state continues to mourn the untimely demise of the celebrated singer, the government and family members are finalizing arrangements for his last rites, ensuring that his fans are at the heart of every farewell ceremony. Zubeen Garg, who passed away in Singapore on September 19, was brought back to Assam on Saturday. His mortal remains were kept at Sarusajai Sports Complex in Guwahati, where thousands of…

20 Sep

A tribal chief from Sikkim demands immediate protection for Buddhagaya and Khangchendzonga

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim tribal leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia has urged the people of Sikkim and Buddhist followers across India to unite in safeguarding the Mahabodhi Temple at Buddhagaya and the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga, highlighting the need to preserve the state’s spiritual and religious heritage amid rising development pressures. Speaking at a public gathering, Bhutia stressed that centuries-old traditions are at risk if neglect continues. He emphasized that the Sangha MLA seat in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly is not merely a political position but a sacred trust, reserved under the Constitution to uphold the legacy of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.…

20 Sep

Assam laments Zubeen Garg: CM’s visit, midnight vigils, and statewide lamentations

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam is reeling from the sudden loss of its most beloved cultural icon, Zubeen Garg. The celebrated singer, composer, and actor, known fondly as “Zubeen Da,” passed away at the age of 52 in Singapore on Friday. His death has left the state engulfed in grief, with thousands taking to the streets to honor his memory, while the government and schools declared rare gestures of mourning. On Friday night, Guwahati turned into a city of sorrow. From Zoo Road to Ganeshguri and the lanes of Kahilipara, people poured into the streets to pay their respects. Candlelight vigils lit up the…

19 Sep

In the issue of controversial content, the Sikkim court denies SDF spokesperson Arun Limboo’s bail request

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The District and Sessions Court in Gangtok has rejected the bail plea of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson Arun Limboo, citing the “grave and provocative” nature of the charges against him. Limboo, who was arrested on September 15, has been accused of circulating videos on social media that allegedly contained defamatory remarks and altered visuals of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his wife, Krishna Kumari Rai. The complaint was filed by Sonam Choden Bhutia, Officer on Special Duty (Legal) to the Chief Minister. According to the court order, the material circulated by Limboo went beyond the realm of political…

19 Sep

All those who arrived prior to 1971 are Indian. Assam CM claims that the D-voter problem is almost resolved

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the longstanding problem of “D-voters” (doubtful voters) in the state is close to being resolved, bringing relief to thousands of families who have lived for years under a shadow of uncertainty. Addressing the media on Wednesday, the Chief Minister revealed that the number of people, particularly Bengali Hindus, listed as doubtful voters has dropped dramatically over the past five years. According to Sarma, the figure has come down from nearly two lakh to about 25,000 today. “If the current pace continues, I am confident that the problem will be almost entirely…

18 Sep

State Disaster Risk Reduction Day is observed in Sikkim, and the chief minister urges everyone to be prepared

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim on Thursday observed State Disaster Risk Reduction Day, under the aegis of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, with a renewed call for strengthening resilience and preparedness across the Himalayan state. The day holds deep emotional significance for Sikkim, as it marks the anniversary of the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake of September 18, 2011, which left behind a trail of destruction, loss of lives, and long-lasting impacts on livelihoods. Recalling the tragedy, the state leadership described it as a solemn reminder of Sikkim’s vulnerabilities, given its fragile Himalayan ecosystem and…

18 Sep

BTR is moving forward through training, trade, and transformation: Assam BJP Chief Dilip Saikia

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

As the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) prepares for the crucial polls on September 22, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its campaign with a strong focus on youth empowerment, employment generation, and skill development. On Wednesday, September 17, Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia addressed gatherings in the region and highlighted the progress achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Saikia underlined that the BJP’s vision for BTR rests on what he termed the “three Ts” — trade, training, and transformation. According to him, these pillars are creating new opportunities for…

17 Sep

Sikkim secures the second runner-up position at the Punjab National Car Rally

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim secured the second runner-up position at the St. John Old Boys’ Association (SJOBA) Time-Speed-Distance Car Rally 2025, one of India’s prestigious motorsport events, demonstrating skill, precision, and competitive spirit. The rally commenced in Chandigarh on September 13 and concluded at Gaj Resort in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on September 14, covering a challenging route that included rough village roads and narrow stretches designed to test endurance and accuracy. Representing Sikkim in the Amateur category, driver Annapurna Alley and navigator Puran Tamang finished third among 40 teams from across India, marking a significant achievement for the state’s motorsports community. Their performance has…