Sonakshi Sarkar

Assam has set an ambitious goal of becoming an energy-surplus state, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announcing a series of major reforms aimed at strengthening the power sector, improving electricity supply and expanding clean energy generation. The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister with senior officials and stakeholders from the power sector. The government said the reforms are part of a long-term strategy to build a reliable, efficient and financially strong electricity network capable of meeting the state's growing energy requirements. Sharing details of the roadmap, Sarma said the government is focusing…

Allegations of a large-scale document forgery racket linked to recruitment in Central Government security forces have surfaced in Assam's Margherita Co-District, leading several student organisations and local groups to demand a judicial inquiry into the matter. The allegations have sparked concern among residents and civil society organisations, with claims that individuals from outside Assam may have used forged residential and identity documents issued from the state to secure employment in various Central security agencies. According to local organisations, youths from states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal have allegedly been attempting to obtain jobs in Central security forces…

The widespread growth of toxic Parthenium weed along National Highway-127 in Assam's Nagaon district has once again become a major concern for residents, with locals warning of potential health and environmental risks as the invasive plant continues to spread across large stretches of the highway.The weed has reportedly covered significant portions of the roadside from Uriagaon to Amoni, growing densely on both sides of the highway and affecting several nearby communities. Residents living along the route, as well as daily commuters, have expressed concern over the unchecked expansion of the plant, which is known for its harmful effects on human…

In a major anti-drug operation, Dibrugarh Police arrested nine persons and seized suspected heroin, cash and gold ornaments during a raid conducted at Harijan Colony near the Dibrugarh Town Railway Station. The operation was carried out as part of an ongoing drive against drug trafficking in the district. Police said the raid was launched following intelligence gathered during a series of anti-narcotics operations conducted across different parts of Dibrugarh over the past week. Speaking to the media, Nayan Moni Baruah said the district police have been carrying out sustained efforts to identify and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the…

Assam's Guardian Minister for Dima Hasao district, Krishnendu Paul, on Thursday reviewed the progress of restoration work on the damaged Haflong–Lumding National Highway and assessed plans for an alternative road project aimed at ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in the region. The minister inspected the 3.4-km damaged stretch at Gerem near Nirimbangla while returning to Guwahati from Haflong. The section of the highway suffered extensive damage during the devastating natural disaster that struck the region in 2022, disrupting transportation and affecting connectivity between Dima Hasao, Barak Valley and other parts of Assam for a prolonged period. Accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Shaurya…

Assam took another step towards expanding its presence in international agricultural markets on Thursday as a consignment of Tezpur litchis was exported to Singapore. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma flagged off the shipment and said the state's agricultural and horticultural products have strong potential to find buyers across global markets. The export of Tezpur litchis is being seen as part of the Assam government's efforts to promote farm produce beyond domestic markets and create better opportunities for growers. Officials believe that increased exports can help farmers secure improved returns while also enhancing the visibility of Assam's unique agricultural products abroad.…

A vehicle carrying around 60 LPG cylinders was seized in Assam's Bongaigaon district after local residents intercepted it on suspicion of illegal transportation and possible black marketing of cooking gas cylinders, officials and local sources said. The incident took place on Thursday night at Kirtanpara market, where residents reportedly stopped the vehicle and alerted Borghola Police. Following the information, police personnel reached the spot and took possession of the vehicle and the cylinders for further investigation. According to local residents, the vehicle was carrying a large consignment of LPG cylinders at a time when consumers and commercial establishments in several…

Assam and Nagaland have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at facilitating the exploration and utilisation of hydrocarbon resources in their disputed border areas, a move that both states hope will unlock economic potential and benefit local communities as well as the country. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the agreement marks an important step towards addressing a long-standing challenge that had hindered the development of natural resources in the border region. Sharing details of the development on social media platform X, Sarma said the Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute had remained a major obstacle in harnessing hydrocarbon…

Neelakshi Saikia has created history by becoming the first woman from Nagaon district to qualify as a national boxing referee, marking a significant achievement for the district's sporting community and women's participation in sports officiating. Saikia earned the distinction after successfully clearing the National Referee Examination conducted during the recently concluded Kaziranga Rhino Cup Professional Boxing League held at Golaghat Stadium. The achievement has been widely welcomed by athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts across Nagaon, who described it as a proud moment for the district and an important milestone in the growth of boxing in Assam. The Kaziranga Rhino Cup…