Blog - The Purbottar

07 Jan

Heavy Vehicle Movement Restricted in Soreng District During Maghey Sankranti Mela from Jan 14–22

Sonakshi SarkarSikkim

The authorities in Soreng district of Sikkim have issued a public advisory ahead of the 71st Maghey Sankranti Mela, which will be held at Jorethang–Nayabazar from January 14 to January 22, 2026. The mela is expected to draw a large number of visitors from different parts of the state and nearby areas. Because of this, the district police have announced traffic regulations to ensure smooth vehicle movement and public safety during the event. According to the advisory issued by the Superintendent of Police, Soreng District, the mela will be celebrated in a grand and traditional way, highlighting the cultural heritage…

07 Jan

Tragic Turn in Dimao Domestic Violence Case as Police Shooting Claims Accused’s Life

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

A shocking incident of domestic violence occurred on Tuesday night in the Dirai Tea Garden area of Dimao, Sivasagar district, Assam. A man, identified as Ranjit Pandav, allegedly attacked his wife and a neighbor, Motin Pandav, using a sharp dao (machete) during a domestic dispute. Witnesses reported that the attack began around 8 pm amid dense fog. Ranjit chased his wife, threatening her with the weapon, leading Motin to intervene as she screamed for help. As Motin entered the courtyard to assist the woman, Ranjit, hiding nearby, struck him with the dao, causing severe injuries that left him bleeding on…

07 Jan

Steel Sector Scrutiny Deepens as Antitrust Breach Found at Top Producers

Preeti SinghBusiness

India's competition watchdog has uncovered that leading companies in the steel market, including Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and State-run SAIL, along with 25 other firms, engaged in price-fixing practices that violate antitrust laws. A confidential document reveals that these collusions expose both the companies and their executives to the possibility of significant financial penalties. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found 56 senior executives, including Sajjan Jindal of JSW and T.V. Narendran of Tata Steel, along with four former chairpersons of SAIL, guilty of price collusion spanning from 2015 to 2023. This information is based on a CCI order…

07 Jan

Around 710 Families Affected as Assam Government Completes Major Eviction in Burhachapori Sanctuary

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam government has completed a major eviction drive inside the Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary to remove what officials described as illegal occupation of forest land. The two-day operation, which began on January 5 and ended on January 6, cleared around 6,200 bighas of land. This is equal to nearly 830 hectares. According to officials, about 710 families were affected by the eviction. The eviction took place in areas falling under the Sonitpur and Nagaon districts. Sonitpur Deputy Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das said that these families had been living inside forest land that forms part of a protected wildlife sanctuary. He…

07 Jan

Himanta Flags Potential Fallout in Assam Amid Bangladesh Violence

Sonakshi SarkarNorth East

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concerns on Wednesday regarding the political instability in Bangladesh and its potential negative impact on Assam. He highlighted the ongoing presence of jihadi elements in the state, suggesting that some may operate as sleeper cells. Sarma emphasized that recent unrest and targeted violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh is alarming, citing that Hindus are facing increasing harassment and attacks. Given the situation, he urged caution and a proactive monitoring of events across the border. According to the 2022 census, the Hindu population in Bangladesh is approximately 13.13 million, representing about 7.95% of…

07 Jan

Textiles Ministers from Across India to Meet in Guwahati Tomorrow

Sonakshi SarkarGuwahati

The National Textiles Ministers’ Conference 2026, organized by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the Government of Assam, will commence on January 8 in Guwahati. The event, themed “India’s Textiles: Weaving Growth, Heritage & Innovation,” aims to gather Textile Ministers and senior officials from various states and union territories for discussions on critical issues such as policy, investment, sustainability, exports, infrastructure, and technological advancements in the textile sector. The Conference aligns with the Government’s vision of making India a global manufacturing hub in textiles by 2030, focusing on export enhancement, job creation, and inclusive growth under the slogan “Vikas…

07 Jan

Cachar Police Bust Major Yaba Drug Haul Valued at Rs 3 Crore

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the arrest of a woman in Cacher district following the seizure of banned Yaba tablets worth Rs 3 crore. Yaba tablets, known as 'crazy drug', are a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine and are prohibited in India. In a post on X, Sarma stated that the Cacher police acted on reliable intelligence, leading to the apprehension of the individual and the confiscation of 20,000 tablets. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

07 Jan

Assam Congress suspends its joint secretary for breach of party discipline

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has suspended its joint secretary Shahnawaz Ahmed Bhai for allegedly breaching party discipline.The suspension order issued by APCC general secretary (organization) Bipul Gogoi stated that as directed by APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, Ahmed has been suspended from the party until further order with immediate effect due to his breach of gross party discipline, damaging party image and deliberately creating political hatred among party workers.

07 Jan

Assam: School Timings Changed in Kamrup (Metro) as Cold Wave Intensifies

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

Authorities in Kamrup (Metro) district have announced revised school hours due to cold weather conditions, delaying the start of classes by one hour effective from January 7, 2026, to January 13, 2026. Following an order from the Axum Sarba Siksha Abhijan Mission and in consultation with the District Commissioner, all government and private schools must adapt their schedules for the safety and health of students. The new timings are set as follows: primary schools will operate from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, upper primary schools from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and secondary and senior secondary schools from 10:00 AM…

06 Jan

BJP intensifies organisational activities as Assembly polls draw nearer in Assam

SonaliAssam

As the Assembly elections in Assam draw closer, the state unit of the BJP has intensified its organisational activities and campaign programmes across the length and breadth of the State.In a press statement issued by theparty, BJP spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi stated that following yesterday’s formal announcement of the commencement of the Assembly election campaign through the “Wall Writing” programme by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and State BJP President Dilip Saikia, extensive organisational activities are being carried out at the district and mandal levels across Assam. From January 5 to 11, district executive committee meetings are being organised in all…