Assam - The Purbottar

14 Jun

80% Footpath Traders Non-Local, Says BJP; Govt Plans Indigenous-Only Vending Under Flyovers

Preeti SinghAssam

The ruling BJP in Assam today said that retail trade conducted from footpaths across Guwahati will be brought under the predominance of indigenous people.A press release issued by the party said that the Himanta Biswa Sarma government will give priority to indigenous residents in conducting business within Guwahati, which is now mostly in the hands of non-locals or suspected illegal migrants from Bangladesh.It said that based on a comprehensive survey scheduled to be conducted between August and September this year, the Assam Government will identify and regulate retail establishments currently operated by non-local individuals.The release mentioned that this was announced…

14 Jun

Flag Meeting Held as Bangladesh Refuses to Take 9 Pushed Back by BSF at Assam Border

Preeti SinghAssam

A total of nine alleged illegal Bangladeshi nationals were pushed back through the India-Bangladesh international border at Mankachar in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district during an operation conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday morning. According to sources, six individuals were pushed back through the Jhalarchar border point in Mankachar, while the remaining three were moved through the Shahapara border point. Officials said that the group includes women and children. Following the operation, a flag meeting was held between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to discuss the matter. However, Bangladesh has not yet accepted…

13 Jun

Northeast’s First Jungle Book-Themed Adventure Park Opens in Guwahati

Preeti SinghAssam, Guwahati

India’s First Jungle Book Themed Adventure Park now open for visitors at Amchong Tea Estate, GuwahatiGuwahati has added a new attraction to its family entertainment and adventure tourism landscape with Jungle Adventures Park, Northeast India’s First Jungle Book themed adventure park, now open for visitors at Amchong Tea Estate, Guwahati.Built around the tagline “A Page from Jungle Book”, Jungle Adventures Park has been created as an outdoor jungle-themed destination for children, families, students, tourists, young adults and adventure lovers to come together for a day of fun, thrill and recreation. The press conference has been organised to formally introduce the…

13 Jun

Assam to Form GSCDA for Planned Guwahati Expansion; Restricts Fresh Aadhaar Enrolment

Preeti SinghAssam

Assam Cabinet today approved the formation of Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA).It will have the mandate to plan, finance, and develop satellite cities in and around Guwahati and areas within the jurisdiction of Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA).The establishment of the GSCDA is expected to facilitate planned expansion of Guwahati and check the haphazard and congested growth of the existing city.The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also approved a ban on fresh Aadhaar enrolment in Assam for any individual above 18 years of age, except for persons belonging to the Divyang, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled…

13 Jun

AN32 Crashed At Jorhat Air Force Station

Paromita EditorAssam

An Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 transport aircraft met with an accident while landing at the Air Force Station in Jorhat, Assam, on Saturday morning. According to initial reports, the aircraft crashed within the airbase premises and caught fire shortly after the incident. Emergency response teams rushed to the site and launched firefighting and rescue operations immediately.The Indian Air Force confirmed the accident and stated that a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released information regarding casualties or injuries.Witnesses reported seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the airbase following…

13 Jun

Alternative Road Plan Gains Pace to Strengthen Dima Hasao Connectivity

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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…

13 Jun

Tezpur Litchis Enter Singapore Market as Assam Eyes Export Growth

Sonakshi SarkarAssam

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.…

12 Jun

Eight from Assam awarded Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

Paromita EditorAssam

Eight artistes from Assam have been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2024 and 2025.Among the recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, Prema Oja Barbayan (Sattriya Dance) and Bipul Chandra Das (Kathak Dance) were selected for 2024. For 2025, the awardees from Assam are Chetana Das (Acting), Mallika Kandali (Sattriya Dance), and Bhaskar Jyoti Oja (Sattriya Music).The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recipients from Assam for 2024 are Minakshi Medhi (Sattriya Dance), Dilip Hira (Folk Music), and Bidyut Kumar Nath (Theatre Direction).For 2025, the young artistes selected for…

12 Jun

NNPGs Oppose Oil Exploration in Naga Areas, Say Resources Should Be Discussed After Political Settlement

Paromita EditorAssam

The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) has expressed strong opposition to any oil exploration or extraction activities in Naga-inhabited areas until a formal Indo-Naga political settlement is signed with the Government of Indi In a press statement the WC-NNPGs said that the “Agreed Position” signed on November 17, 2017, between the Government of India’s then interlocutor R.N. Ravi and WC-NNPGs Convener N. Kitovi Zhimomi recognised the rights of Nagas over their land and natural resources. Quoting the agreement’s “Status Paper,” the group stated that ownership and transfer of land and its natural resources, including minerals, fossil…

12 Jun

MLA Ramakanta Deuri Summoned to CID Officein Connection with Alleged Recruitment Scam

Paromita EditorAssam

Assam Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned MLA Ramakanta Deuri to its office for questioning in connection with allegations of irregularities in the Fishery Corporation recruitment process. According to the allegations, the recruitment scam took place during Deuri’s tenure as the Chairman of the Fishery Corporation. It has been alleged that 168 candidates were appointed illegally in exchange for money. The name of Ramakanta Deuri’s relatives and close associates has also reportedly surfaced in connection with the alleged irregular appointments. The CID has reopened the case registered under Case No. 17/22 and has started examining the records as part…