Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

02 Feb

No Alliance This Time: AIUDF Announces Solo Poll Plan, Targets Congress

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

02 Feb

Union Budget 2026–27 Allocates Rs 500 Crore for ULFA Rehabilitation

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

02 Feb

RDC 2026 Returnees Honoured: Assam Government Felicitates NCC Cadets

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

02 Feb

Assam Govt Begins Major Eviction Operation in Hailakandi Reserved Forest

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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.…

02 Feb

Robbery Accused Injured in Police Firing in Guwahati

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

One of the accused arrested in connection with a robbery, was shot and injured by police when he allegedly tried to escape from custody. The injured accused, identified as Madhab Das, and two others -- Subhash Das and Kartik Sharma Lakhon -- were arrested by police for their alleged role in a robbery incident at Nirupama Enclave at Bertola area of Guwahati on the night of January 30. Police said they recovered cash amounting to Rs 15.56 lakh from the accused. Preliminary investigation indicated that Madhab Das was the alleged mastermind behind the robbery, police said. During a follow-up operation…

02 Feb

Budget Boosts Assam with Higher Tax Devolution, Infra Push: CM Sarma

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

02 Feb

Assam Health Infrastructure Strengthened with ₹3,679-Crore Projects Inaugurated

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

02 Feb

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia Named New Chief of Eastern Air Command

Sonakshi SarkarNews

Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia has taken over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command (EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, he was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the IAF on June 11, 1988, and is highly skilled, being qualified on all variants of MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Su-30 MKI aircraft. Over his distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, he has accumulated over 3200 hours of accident-free flying and has held various significant Command and Staff appointments. He has commanded a MiG-27 Squadron, led the Tactics…

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…