Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

30 Oct

Large-scale torchlight demonstration in Dhemaji: Chutia community redoubles call for ST status

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Thousands of members of Assam’s Chutia community took to the streets of Dhemaji on Wednesday evening, carrying burning torches and shouting slogans to demand their long-pending inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list. The protest, marked by fiery determination and a sea of flickering lights, turned Dhemaji town into the epicentre of the community’s decades-long struggle for recognition. The demonstrators, who arrived from various parts of Upper Assam, began their march from multiple points before converging in the heart of the town. The air echoed with chants of “No ST, No Rest”, as participants expressed frustration over the government’s inaction…

29 Oct

Politics must not take precedence over women’s safety, according to SDF leader Komal Chamling

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) leader Komal Chamling, daughter of former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has urged the state government to prioritise women’s safety over political differences amid rising cases of online harassment targeting women leaders. “Women’s safety must come before politics,” she asserted during a press briefing in Gangtok on Monday. Expressing concern over the growing menace of cyberbullying and sexual harassment on social media, Komal said that the trend is especially alarming for women leaders belonging to opposition parties. On October 27, an SDF delegation met the State Women’s Commission, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Home…

29 Oct

Himanta charges the Kharge family for disparaging the youth and dignity of Assam

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a strong attack on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and his son Priyank Kharge, accusing them of carrying forward an “anti-Assam mindset” through their words and actions. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the Chief Minister alleged that both father and son had shown disrespect to Assam’s culture and its people. “Mallikarjun Kharge once insulted the legendary Bhupen Hazarika, who remains the voice of Assam’s identity and emotion. Now his son has insulted the youth of Assam. This shows that the Kharge family has consistently failed to understand the dignity and potential…

28 Oct

India plays Nepal in Gangtok in Sikkim’s first international football match

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Marking a historic milestone, Sikkim is set to host its first-ever international football match on Wednesday — a senior women’s friendly clash between India and Nepal at the iconic Paljor Stadium in Gangtok. The event comes as Sikkim celebrates 50 years of statehood, symbolizing a proud moment for the state’s sporting fraternity. “For the first time in the history of Sikkimese football, an international friendly match between India’s and Nepal’s senior women’s teams will be held at Paljor Stadium,” said Menla Ethenpa, president of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA). Paljor Stadium, named after Crown Prince Kunzang Choley Namgyal, son of…

28 Oct

Zubeen Garg death case: Following a virtual court session, five suspects were placed under 14 days of judicial custody

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a major development in the ongoing investigation into the death of popular singer and composer Zubeen Garg, five of the main accused were remanded to 14 days of judicial custody following a virtual appearance before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court on October 27. The five accused include North East India Festival chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma, his cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and his personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. They were produced virtually after the expiry of their earlier custody period. The virtual hearing was conducted as a special arrangement since…

27 Oct

SSB employees in North Sikkim rescue foreign visitors who are afflicted with high-altitude illness

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

A prompt and coordinated response by personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at the remote Border Out Post (BOP) Yambung in North Sikkim helped save the life of a foreign tourist who suffered from high-altitude sickness on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at the Yambung post, situated at an altitude of 12,246 feet, when a group of eight trekkers — including three foreign tourists, a local guide, two cooks, two helpers, and a yak rider — reached the area. Shortly after their arrival, Ms. Nicole Horner, one of the female tourists, began experiencing breathing difficulties, showing symptoms of acute…

27 Oct

In Nalbari, the Kalita community organizes a large rally to demand rights to land and education

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Hundreds of people from the Kalita community gathered in Nalbari on Sunday to take part in a large protest demanding land rights, better access to education, and recognition as a Scheduled Tribe under the Indian Constitution. The protest, which was peaceful but strong in message, was organized by the Kalita Janagosthi Sanmilan.The rally started from the Government Higher Secondary School playground and moved through the main streets of Nalbari town. Many men, women, and students carried banners and placards with messages such as “Land for Kalitas, Justice for Kalitas” and “Education is Our Right.” The slogans echoed through the town…

25 Oct

After six years, a rare barren butterfly was spotted in Dzongu, Sikkim

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Nature enthusiasts and conservationists in Sikkim celebrated a rare sighting of the Spotless Baron butterfly (Euthalia recta) in Dzongu, North Sikkim, on October 19, 2025, marking its return after a six-year absence. The elusive butterfly, known for its distinctive lack of white spots found in closely related species, was photographed by conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, highlighting the ecological richness of the region. The first recorded sighting of the Spotless Baron in Sikkim occurred on October 29, 2019, also in Dzongu. Experts say such sightings are crucial for lepidopterists and conservationists, emphasizing the importance of preserving habitats in this biodiversity hotspot…

25 Oct

Assam Police Kill Main Maoist-affiliated Terrorist Responsible for Kokrajhar Railway Explosion

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A dreaded Maoist-linked militant, accused in multiple railway bombings, was killed in a police encounter in Nadanguri, Kokrajhar district, early Friday, authorities confirmed. The slain militant has been identified as Apil Murmu, also known as Rohit Murmu, aged 40, originally from Jharkhand. According to Kokrajhar Police, Murmu was a prime suspect in a recent railway track blast in Kokrajhar and had a history of involvement in a similar attack in Jharkhand. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kokrajhar revealed that Murmu carried out a railway track explosion in Jharkhand last October before fleeing to Assam. In Assam, he adopted the alias…

24 Oct

India’s first talent search for people with impairments is launched in Sikkim by Jhoom International

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Jhoom International, India’s first-ever talent hunt exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), is set to hold its Sikkim edition, offering a unique platform for young talents to showcase their skills. The initiative is presented by Shantidham Foundation in collaboration with the SKM Social Service Wing, Sarathi, and supported by the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICUN). The talent hunt is open to PwDs aged 10 to 40 years, with participants invited to submit a 1–2 minute video highlighting their talent in categories such as dance, singing, acting, comedy, stunts, magic, recitation, painting, and more. Videos must be in landscape…