Sonakshi Sarkar - The Purbottar

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…

24 Oct

Tribes, tea tribes, Morans, and Motoks are exempt from the two-child limit in Assam in order to protect communities

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

In a landmark decision aimed at preserving the unique identity of vulnerable communities, the Assam government announced on Thursday that tribals, tea tribes, Morans, and Motoks will be exempt from the two-child policy for government employment. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press conference after chairing the state cabinet meeting, said the exemption was crucial to prevent gradual extinction of these communities. “If we stick to the policy, these populations will lose their distinct identities and gradually become extinct in the next 50 years,” Sarma said. He noted that the Moran community alone numbers just around one lakh, highlighting…

22 Oct

On October 30, the Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 will begin

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The much-awaited Namchi Open Basketball Tournament 2025 is set to commence on October 30 at Namchi Public School, promising a week of thrilling competition and sportsmanship. Chief Minister P.S. Tamang will attend the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, lending the event significant prominence. Organisers have confirmed that twenty teams from across the region will compete, showcasing their skills in fast-paced basketball matches. The tournament aims to foster teamwork, athletic excellence, and healthy competition among youth. The event is jointly organised by the Namchi District Police and Yetis Basket Club, reflecting a collaborative effort to promote sports and constructive engagement…

22 Oct

The opposition in Assam claims the chief minister is influencing the investigation and demands a transparent inquiry into Zubeen Garg’s killing

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam’s Congress Legislature Party leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Debabrata Saikia, has raised serious concerns over the investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg, accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of controlling and influencing the probe. Saikia has demanded a fully independent and transparent investigation to ensure justice is delivered. Addressing the media, Saikia claimed that the Chief Minister’s remarks on the case have “created confusion” among the public and cast doubt on the authenticity of the ongoing investigation. “From his statements, it appears the investigation may not be entirely transparent,” he said, suggesting that Sarma…

20 Oct

The Sikkim Pollution Control Board reminds people that firecrackers are prohibited and encourages eco-friendly Diwali

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

Ahead of Diwali, the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on Saturday urged the people of Sikkim to celebrate the festival in an eco-friendly manner, emphasizing the harmful effects of bursting firecrackers on health and the environment. In a public statement, the SPCB reminded residents that the manufacture, sale, and bursting of firecrackers have been banned in the state for over a decade. “Bursts of firecrackers release harmful pollutants that deteriorate air quality, posing health risks particularly for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. The resulting noise pollution also significantly affects public well-being,” the board noted. The SPCB…