CM reviews key welfare schemes in Baksa
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, July 5: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday conducted a comprehensive review of five key welfare schemes in Baksa district and instructed the concerned departments to complete all pending work within the stipulated timeline to ensure effective implementation. The review meeting, held at the office of the District Election Officer in []
GUWAHATI, July 5: Three suspected drug peddlers have been arrested from Assams Karbi Anglong district and opium worth Rs 2.5 crore seized from their possession, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The arrests were made on Friday after a vehicle was intercepted, he said. During a routine naka check at 6th Mile, a vehicle was []
20th flyover in Guwahati to ease traffic congestion on busy GS Road
Journalist injured in attack in Assams Dhemaji, CM says police probe on
GUWAHATI, July 5: A journalist was injured after being allegedly attacked by a mob while covering panchayat election-related news in Dhemaji district, police said on Saturday. Madhurjya Saikia, who works for an Assamese news channel, was injured when he was attacked by a mob of over 25 people, armed with sticks, in Dimow Pathar on []
Arunachal CM Khandu, MPs join devotees on eve of Dalai Lamas 90th birthday celebrations
GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh leaders Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union minister Kiren Rijiju and Lok Sabha member Tapir Gao joined devotees in Dharmasala on Saturday on the eve of the 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama. A powerful gathering of hearts and hopes, united across generations and nations, seeking one blessing: May his light endure. May his compassion continue to guide. May his wisdom forever illuminate our path. Long Live His Holiness! Khandu posted on X. He met Hollywood actor Richard Gere who was in Dharmasala along with his son Homer James Jigme Gere. Richard Geres lifelong devotion to His Holiness and his efforts to spread the message of Tibetan Buddhism around the world remain deeply inspiring, Khandu said. Rijiju said the Dalai Lama gave blessings at the long life prayer ceremony and expressed his intention to continue to serve people for another 30-40 years. Humbled to receive his blessings during this sacred occasion, Rijiju posted on X. HH The Dalai Lama gave blessings at the Long Life Prayer ceremony in Dharamshala ahead of his 90th birth anniversary. His Holiness mentioned about feeling the blessings of Avalokiteshvara & expressed his intention to continue serving people for another 30-40 years. https://t.co/gWTanUR6hD pic.twitter.com/GQtJ7Hs0GI Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 5, 2025 Gao said the two-day ceremony is rooted in the ancient Amitayus ritual. He said he was blessed to stand among Khandu Rijiju, MLAs and fellow devotees. With His Holiness expressing his aspiration to live well beyond 130 years, the gathering carried a powerful message of spiritual unity and collective hope, Gao said. Arunachal holds a significant connection with the 14th Dalai Lama who had entered the state while fleeing Tibet in 1959. On March 31 this year, a 300-member group of monks, village chiefs, personnel of border-guarding forces, tourists and Panchayati Raj Institution members had embarked on a 100-km trek along the Freedom Trail in the Tawang region, retracing the route taken by the spiritual leader during his great escape from Tibet. India and China have been for long locked in a bitter border dispute. China refers to Arunachal as South Tibet and renamed locations in this frontier state earlier much to India's chagrin.
Assam Excise Officer Caught Red-Handed Taking Bribe, Arrested by Vigilance Directorate
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 5: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DIR_VAC) Assam apprehended Prashant Kumar Gogoi, the Charaideo districts Deputy Superintendent of Excise, on Friday on bribery charges. The arrest was made after a complaint, following which the anti-corruption agency successfully executed a trap operation. Official reports state that Gogoi was caught red-handed taking []
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma reviews execution of govt schemes in Tamulpur
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, July 4: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of key welfare schemes in Tamulpur district, calling for extensive beneficiary outreach to achieve complete saturation. According to an official statement, the review meeting was held at the conference hall of the District Commissioners office in []
Right initiatives can make Assam hub of higher education: Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya
GUWAHATI, July 4: Assam can evolve into a hub of higher education with the right kind of initiatives, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya has said. He also hailed steps taken by the Education Department in strengthening the academic ecosystem and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. Acharya had a meeting with State Education Minister []
Manipur security forces allegedly seize 203 weapons, explosives in hill district raids
GUWAHATI: Security forces allegedly recovered 203 weapons, along with IEDs, grenades and ammunition, during extensive search operations conducted in Manipurs hill districts from the midnight of July 3. Officials said coordinated and simultaneous operations were launched in interior areas of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel and Churachandpur districts following receipt of intelligence inputs about the presence of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other war-like materials concealed in various locations. The operations were carried out by joint teams of police, Assam Rifles, Army and Central Armed Police Forces. The weapons allegedly recovered included Insas rifles (21), AK series rifles (11), SLRs (26), snipers (2), carbines (3), .303 rifles (17) and pistols (9). Thirty IEDs, 12 grenades and nine Pompi shells were also seized. These intelligence-based coordinated operations in the hill districts represent a significant achievement for the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles/Army and Central Security Forces in their ongoing efforts to restore normalcy, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and their property, Manipur Police posted on X. The police urged the public to cooperate with the security forces and report any suspicious activities or information related to illegal weapons to the nearest police station or Central Control Room. This is the second major arms haul in recent times. Last month, security forces had allegedly recovered over 300 guns, along with a huge quantity of ammunition, during simultaneous operations carried out in all five districts of the Imphal Valley.
Civil groups in Manipur flag conflict of interest in SoO monitoring, urge Centre to abrogate pact
GUWAHATI: Four civil society organisations in Manipur have urged the Centre to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements signed with Kuki insurgent groups, alleging that the pacts are flawed and have been repeatedly violated, thus impeding efforts to restore peace in the violence-hit state. In a joint memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the four groups Indigenous Peoples Forum Manipur, Meitei Alliance, Thadou Inpi Manipur and Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee, representing Meitei, Naga and Thadou communities alleged violations of the ground rules by Kuki rebels during the ethnic conflict. The tripartite SoO agreements were signed in 2008 between the Centre, the Manipur government and two umbrella bodies of rebel groups Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United Peoples Front (UPF). Around 25 rebel groups fall under their purview. The civil groups said that although the ground rules were allegedly violated multiple times by the Kuki groups, the state government was unable to hold them accountable due to structural flaws in the agreements. According to them, the preamble of the SoO agreements states that KNO and UPF will completely abjure the path of violence and not engage in kidnappings, ambushes, extortions, intimidation etc. The SoO agreements state that in case the groups (KNO and UPF) are found violating the ground rules, the government of Manipur, on the recommendation of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), may terminate the SoO arrangements and also take appropriate action including use of force against the groups, the memorandum said. However, the groups pointed out that KNO and UPF, who were allegedly responsible for the violence, are themselves part of the JMG, making it unlikely that the panel would recommend action against them. The civil society organisations suggested that the Centre either abrogate the SoO pacts as was earlier recommended by the state government or establish a popular government or conduct fresh elections in the state, so that the elected government can take a call on the renewal of the SoO agreements. If SoO agreements were to be renewed, then their structure and framework should be holistically reviewed for effective and efficient implementation, they categorically stated. Further, they recommended the establishment of an independent and neutral arbitrator under the Constitution of India to resolve any conflict of interest. The armed militants, who committed acts of violence, should be prosecuted according to the law, and if any signatories or members of KNO and UPF are found to be associated directly or indirectly, they should not be protected. The SoO agreements should be considered as a mechanism for non-violence and not as protector of violence, the civil groups further wrote in the memorandum.
Landslide Halts Train Services in Assams Dima Hasao; Multiple Trains Stranded
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 4: Train operations in Assams Dima Hasao district were completely suspended following a huge landslide that occurred on the LumdingBadarpur hill section close to Mupa station on Thursday. The accident took place at about 2:45 PM between kilometer posts 51/23 (DKEMPP), knocking down about 30 big boulders and 100 cubic meters []
Newlywed Man Killed in Bihar; Wife, Alleged Lover Among Accused
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 4: In a frightening case similar to the recent Meghalaya honeymoon killing, a 25-year-old man was reportedly gunned down mere 45 days after his wedding in Bihars Aurangabad district. The deceased, Priyanshu, was a Barwan village resident under Nabinagar police station jurisdiction. As per police, Priyanshu was coming back home by []
Security for farmers in Manipur tightened, Central forces deployed
GUWAHATI: As agricultural activities have begun, the Manipur government is taking measures for the safety of farmers who came under attacks during the ethnic violence in the state. A delegation of three Imphal Valley-based civil society organisations, which met senior MHA officials in New Delhi recently, flagged the farmers issue. They had demanded adequate security for the farming community and their farmlands. The last incident involving an attack on farmers took place on June 19 at Phubala in Bishnupur district. A Meitei farmer was injured after being fired upon by an unknown attacker. Two other farmers escaped unhurt. A combined headquarters meeting was held last week to review the security arrangements related to farming and prevent Phubala-like incidents. The meeting was chaired by Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and attended by Chief Secretary PK Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh. The government said police personnel are deployed in the vulnerable farming areas on the hills and the valley, assisting central security forces in providing security to farming areas. Central forces have been redeployed in the vicinity of Phubala. Alert messages have been issued to all district superintendents of police from the police headquarters to immediately implement enhanced security protocols for ongoing cultivation activities, a government statement said. Senior police officers are visiting farming areas to oversee security arrangements. This includes the identification of vulnerable agricultural areas that may require increased security surveillance. Flying squads and quick response teams have been set up in case of any need, the statement said.
72-yr-old woman murdered by caretaker, wife
GUWAHATI, July 3: City police has arrested a man and his wife for allegedly killing a 72-year-old woman here, officials said on Thursday. Addressing a press conference, Guwahati Police DCP (Central) Amitabh Basumatary said the incident took place on Wednesday in Kharghuli area, where the deceased used to stay along with the caretakers family. During []
Manipur heightens security for farmers in vulnerable areas after recent attack on Meitei farmer
GUWAHATI: In the wake of a recent attack on a farmer at Phubala in Bishnupur district, the Manipur government has heightened security for farmers in vulnerable areas, particularly as cultivation activities resume following months of ethnic violence. A Combined Headquarters meeting was held last week to review the current farming-related security measures, improve coordination, and prevent incidents similar to the one in Phubala. The meeting was chaired by Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and attended by Chief Secretary PK Singh and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh. The government stated that police personnel have been deployed in vulnerable farming zones, both in the hills and the valley, to assist central security forces in safeguarding agricultural areas. In Phubala, central security forces have been redeployed to reinforce security arrangements. Alert messages have been issued to all district superintendents of police from the Police Headquarters to immediately implement enhanced security protocols for ongoing farming and cultivation activities, a government statement said. Senior police officers are inspecting farming zones to assess and strengthen security measures. This includes identifying vulnerable agricultural regions that may require increased police presence and surveillance. Joint combing operations are being conducted on a regular basis in the fringe areas, including areas deep inside the hills to flush out any miscreants. Flying squads and quick response teams have been set up by the administration for immediate assistance in case of any need, the statement added. The government also urged the public, especially farmers, to remain alert and inform local police or security forces before heading to cultivate land in sensitive regions. A joint delegation of three Imphal Valley-based civil society organisations recently met senior Ministry of Home Affairs officials in New Delhi and flagged the issue of farmers safety. They demanded adequate security arrangements for both the farming community and their lands. The latest incident occurred on 19 June at Phubala, where a Meitei farmer was injured after being allegedly fired upon by an unidentified miscreant. Two other farmers accompanying him escaped unhurt. In the retaliatory operation by security personnel, an elderly Kuki woman was allegedly killed in crossfire in the adjoining Churachandpur district.
Tripura CM Manik Saha expands ministry; first-time MLA sworn in as minister
GUWAHATI: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday expanded his ministry by inducting a first-time MLA Kishore Barman. Barman (45) was elected from the Nalchar constituency in Sepahijala district on a ticket of ruling BJP in the 2023 polls. With his induction, the cabinet has reached its full strength of 12. Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Barman at the Raj Bhavan. Saha, his council of ministers and senior government officials were present. Later, in a social media post, Barman thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Tripura CM, BJP president JP Nadda and other BJP leaders for his appointment as a minister. We will strive together to make Tripura a strong and progressive state, he stated. Opposition parties CPI-M and Congress boycotted the swearing-in ceremony in protest against alleged atrocities committed against their workers by BJP. The BJP heads the states coalition government. It had won 32 of the states 60 seats in the last election.
Guwahati Woman, 71, Stabbed To Death In Her House, Caretaker, Wife Arrested
A 71-year-old woman, living alone in Guwahati, was allegedly murdered by her caretaker at her house, the police said. The police have arrested the accused and his wife.
IIT Guwahati Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official IIT Guwahati website. The last date to submit the application form is 11-07-2025.
Raja Raghuvanshi's Cousin, News Anchor Get Notices Over Kamakhya Temple Remark
The Guwahati Police has issued notices to a cousin of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was murdered in an elaborate plan hatched by his wife Sonam in Meghalaya earlier this year, and a news anchor over claims that human sacrifice is performed at Kamakhya Temple
Ugaoo targets clicks-and-bricks approach to grow the urban gardening market
The company plans to scale up to 80 physical outlets across Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Indore, Bhopal, Jaipur, and Guwahati
Dibrugarh Transport Department Cracks Down on Traffic Violations in Special Drive
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 3: As part of a concerted drive to implement road safety and compliance with regulations, Assams Dibrugarh District Transport Office (DTO) conducted a special drive on Wednesday. The drive, spearheaded by District Transport Officer Hirak Jyoti Deka, focused on a broad array of violative acts, such as vehicles in operation without []
Caretaker Confesses to Brutal Murder of Elderly Woman in Guwahatis Kharghuli
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JULY 3: In a major breakthrough in the shocking murder case that rocked Guwahatis Kharghuli locality, Ratul Dasone of the two caretakers detained in connection with the incidenthas confessed to the crime. The confession has shed disturbing light on the events that led to the brutal killing of 69-year-old Bandana Das. Based []
Second Wave of Floods Wreaks Havoc in Assams Lakhimpur District
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 3: A number of roads and croplands have been worst hit in Assams Lakhimpur district as a fresh wave of floods hit the area in the last 24 hours. The overnight intensity of rain has been blamed for the sudden rise in floodwaters with Lakhimpur and the surrounding hills of Arunachal []
Assam Police Seize 200 kg of Beef in Dhubri, Suspected Smuggler Arrested
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 3: In an effort to implement the state-wide ban on beef, Assam Police detained a suspected smuggler and confiscated almost 200 kilograms of the banned meat in a raid carried out on Thursday morning in Dhubri district. Based on a tip, a police party headed by Officer-in-Charge Debajit Kalita from Golakganj []
South Korean delegation visit to explore tea heritage: Himanta Biswa Sarma
GUWAHATI, July 2: A South Korean delegation is currently in Assam to explore the heritage of the 200-year-old tea industry, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday. Building Bonds over Tea. A 24-member delegation from South Korea is on a visit to Assam to explore our rich 200-year-old tea heritage, Sarma said in a []
Himanta Biswa Sarma calls on Nitin Gadkari to discuss completion of infra projects
GUWAHATI, July 2: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaon Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) Nitin Gadkari and discussed time-bound completion of several flagship infrastructure projects of the state. In New Delhi today, I had a fruitful meeting with Honble Union Minister Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji, the Chief Minister posted on X. We []
Bangladesh ex-PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to six months over viral audio
Guwahati: Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to six months in prison for contempt of court, according to media reports. Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder led the three-member panel of Tribunal-1 that issued the verdict after reviewing a leaked phone call involving the ousted Awami League leader. The phone conversation, which [] The post Bangladesh ex-PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to six months over viral audio appeared first on NorthEast Now .
IIT Guwahati Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 03 Lifeguard, Part Time Sports Instructor Posts
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) Recruitment 2025 for 03 posts of Lifeguard, Part Time Sports Instructor. Candidates with Diploma, 12TH, BPEd Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in interview on 14-07-2025. For detailed information please visit IIT Guwahati official website, iitg.ac.in.
NIPCCD renamed as Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development
NEW DELHI: The centre on Wednesday announced that the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) has now been officially renamed as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development, reflecting its evolving role and greater focus on region-specific, mission-driven support for the development of women and children across India. Speaking about the renaming of the institute, which was established on February 28, 1966, Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi said that the renaming of NIPCCD as the Savitribai Phule National Institute of Women and Child Development is a tribute to the legacy of one of Indias foremost social reformers. She said the renaming is a reaffirmation of our commitment to women and child-centric development. The ministry also announced a new Regional Centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand, which will be inaugurated on July 4. A new Regional Centre aims to strengthen outreach and regional capacity-building. This Centre will address the specialised training and research requirements of the Ministrys flagship programmes - Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 - with a particular focus on the Eastern region covering Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. Previously, training needs of these states were partially catered through Regional Centres located in Guwahati and Lucknow, posing logistical challenges for many functionaries due to long travel distances. The new Regional Centre will also offer the advanced diploma in child guidance and counselling and will facilitate better accessibility for frontline functionaries in these states. It is estimated that over seven lakh functionaries operate under the ministrys missions across the four states, spread across 115 districts. Highlighting the importance of setting up new regional centres, the WCD minister said that the inauguration of the new Regional Centre in Ranchi would mark a significant step towards decentralised, region-specific capacity building in the Eastern region. She said the Centre will not only empower the frontline functionaries with better access to training and support, but also strengthen the centres flagship missions at the grassroots level. The new Regional Centre will not only bring training services closer to the field functionaries but also enable the identification of local issues, customized interventions, and better resource utilization for womens empowerment and child welfare in the Eastern region. It will also support research, counselling, and extension activities related to child development, mental health, and adolescent well-being. This step is a testament to the Ministrys commitment to ensuring last-mile delivery of services, region-specific capacity building, and the creation of an inclusive, empowered, and healthier India, the ministry said in a statement. About NIPCCD, the ministry said while its headquarters is in New Delhi, it presently has regional centres in Bangalore, Guwahati, Lucknow, Indore and Mohali. It serves as the apex body for training, research, documentation, and capacity building in the field of Women and Child Development. The Institute plays a pivotal role in strengthening implementation mechanisms under various flagship schemes through its online and physical training programmes, the statement added.
Free medical camp organised at Eco Camp Nameri
Tezpur, July 1: A free medical health camp was organised at Eco Camp Nameri on Sunday by the Assam (Bhorelli) Angling & Conservation Association (A(B)ACA) in collaboration with the AMC Alumni Association and the Academic Forum. A team of experienced doctors from Guwahati and Tezpur, including Dr. Sangeet Dutta, Dr. Chandan Baruah, Dr. Nabajyoti Dutta, [] The post Free medical camp organised at Eco Camp Nameri appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Bandhan Bank extends CSR support to Assam Cancer Care Foundation
KOLKATA, July 2: Bandhan Bank on Wednesday said it has extended CSR grant to Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF), a joint initiative of the Government of Assam and Tata Trusts, to support delivery of affordable and standardised cancer care across 17 districts in the state over the next two years. The extension of CSR grant was formalised at a ceremony in Guwahati, attended by Assam government officials, Bandhan Bank MD & CEO Partha Pratim Sengupta, and ACCF COO Dr (Maj [] The post Bandhan Bank extends CSR support to Assam Cancer Care Foundation appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Assam May Return to JanuaryDecember School Calendar Amid Disruptions
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 2: The government of Assam is weighing the option to revert to the JanuaryDecember school year calendar due to the ongoing disruptions from floods, hot summer months, and major cultural events in the ongoing AprilMarch session. The interruptions, officials claim, are adversely affecting the scholastic progress of children throughout the state. []
Woman, 2 Children Allegedly Thrown from Moving Train Near Guwahati
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 2: In a terrifying accident late last night, a woman with her two small children were reportedly pushed off a moving train by unidentified persons near Panikhaiti, which is the outskirts of Guwahati city. The presumed attack was near Hatisila, a sleepy locality beside the railway line. The incident was revealed []
Bottle Thrown at Assam CMs Convoy Sparks Political Storm; Six Congress Workers Arrested
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 2: Political tensions ran high in Assam after a plastic water bottle was thrown at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas convoy during his visit to Golaghat on Monday. While no one was injured and the bottle did not hit any vehicle directly, the incident raised immediate political and security concerns. By []
Climate change forces relocation of Samjung village in Nepals Himalayas
Guwahati: The Himalayan village of Samjung in Nepals Upper Mustang district has been abandoned due to a long-term water crisis attributed to changing climate patterns. Situated at an altitude of over 13,000 feet (3,962 meters), Samjung was once sustained by traditional livelihoods such as yak and sheep herding and small-scale farming. Residents relied on local [] The post Climate change forces relocation of Samjung village in Nepals Himalayas appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Cong behaving like overground Maoists: Dilip Saikia after convoy incident
GUWAHATI, July 1: BJP president Dilip Saikia on Tuesday maintained that Congress members were behaving like overground Maoists in the state, as he lashed out at the opposition party a day after its supporters purportedly hurled a water bottle at the chief ministers convoy. The ruling party also staged protests across the state, including Guwahati, []
Himanta Biswa Sarma claims record paddy procurement in state
GUWAHATI, July 1: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the state has recorded the highest-ever paddy procurement by purchasing nearly seven lakh metric tonnes of the foodgrain, more than two-fold jump as compared to the previous season. We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2024-25 with a []
133 arrested for illegal cattle slaughter, selling beef
GUWAHATI, July 1: At least 133 people were apprehended on Tuesday for their role in alleged violation of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and over one tonne of suspected beef were seized across the state, a senior police officer said. According to Inspector General Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Kumar Singh, a suo-motu drive was []
N Guwahati water supply project 90% ready, says Jal Board
Assam Police arrest 133, seize over one tonne of suspected beef in statewide raids
Assam Police conducted raids across multiple districts targeting the illegal sale of beef. They arrested 133 individuals for violating the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021. Raids targeted hotels and restaurants in Guwahati, Nagaon, and other areas. Authorities seized over one tonne of suspected beef. The government plans to implement a Standard Operating Procedure for the Cattle Preservation Act.
Meghalaya makes guides mandatory for trekking in East Khasi Hills after tourist deaths
GUWAHATI: Meghalaya has made it mandatory for tourists to hire licenced guides for trekking and other outdoor activities in the East Khasi Hills district. The directive comes on the heels of the death of a Hungarian national Pusks Zsolt and the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, both in the Sohra (Cherrapunji) area of the district. East Khasi Hills District Magistrate and Chairperson of the District Tourism Promotion Society, Rosetta Mary Kurbah issued the directive in the interest of public safety. Kurbah said mandatory guide services would help prevent tourists from getting lost, injured, or exposed to criminal activities in remote and isolated areas. She said the order would be strictly enforced. The violators would face penalties or be denied access to trekking routes, she added. The administration plans to effectively implement the directive by deploying more trained guides and working with local communities. The dEcomposed body of the Hungarian national was retrieved on April 11, days after he was reported missing. The police suspected that he died after falling from a steep slope. Raghuvanshi was reported missing along with his wife Sonam on May 23. His decomposed body was recovered from a deep gorge on June 2. The victim was hacked to death by three men friends of Sonams alleged lover Raj Kushwaha. After the murder, the Meghalaya government had directed all homestays, resorts and families to compulsorily register tourists they were hosting. The step was taken to help control crimes. The state's Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh had earlier stated that the government would ensure that all accommodation units compulsorily registered guests through the tourism app. Called the Scotland of the East, Meghalaya boasts numerous scenic waterfalls, caves, lakes and Living Root Bridges. Sohra is known for its breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain.
Vlogger Claims She Was Drugged And Robbed On Brahmaputra Mail, Railways Reacts
YouTuber Kanika Devrani alleged she was drugged and robbed on the Brahmaputra Mail from Delhi to Guwahati. The incident occurred at New Jalpaiguri Junction.
Congress Worker Detained for Alleged Bottle Attack on Assam CMs Convoy Amid Protests
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JULY 1: A worker of Congress was allegedly arrested late Monday evening in Assams Golaghat district on charges of hurling a bottle at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas motorcade. The man, Rahul Phukan, a worker from the Sarupathar constituency, was arrested after an incident that took place around 1:30 pm near Rajiv []
ASssam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates Natghar at Sri Sri Athkhelia Namghar
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, June 30: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday inaugurated the newly constructed Natghar (main prayer hall) of the historic Sri Sri Athkhelia Namghar in Golaghat district, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of Assams cultural and spiritual heritage. The occasion also witnessed the Chief Minister offering prayers for []
CM reviews Bio-Ethanol Project at NRL, inaugurates Dhansiri Nagar Township
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, June 30: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday visited the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Golaghat district to review the ongoing construction of Indias first bamboo-based bio-refinery and assess the overall progress of the refinerys expansion projects. The Chief Ministers visit comes in the lead-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled []
State tightens Aadhaar rules to curb illegal infiltration
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, June 30 : In a significant move to strengthen identity verification, the Assam government on Monday announced stricter measures to prevent the alleged misuse of Aadhaar cards by illegal immigrants. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the state will soon implement a district administration-led process for issuing Aadhaar cards to adults to []
India pavilion inaugurated in New York to celebrate 200 Years of Assam Tea
GUWAHATI, June 30: Assams Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has inaugurated an India pavilion at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York to celebrate 200 years of Assam Tea. Assam Tea is a global symbol of strength, flavour, and heritage that has shaped livelihoods, cultures, and economies since its discovery in 1823 along the []
Congress workers hurl water bottle at Assam CM Himantas convoy in Golaghat
GUWAHATI: A water bottle was hurled at the convoy of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma by alleged Congress workers on Monday. The incident occurred in upper Assams Golaghat when Sarma was passing through the area during an official visit. The Congress workers were protesting the alleged sale of 90 Gir cows, procured by the state government, to a few individuals, including a ministers wife and a few BJP MLAs. The government earlier procured 300 cows for the Gorukhuti dairy project. CM Himanta told the media if the Congress workers had not protested, they would have been answerable to their leaders in Guwahati. It would have been better if the bottle had hit me, he said. Minister Pijush Hazarika shared a video of the incident on X.He wrote, This is how @INCAssam tried to sabotage democracy in Assam. Today, their goons attacked the Chief Minister of Assam with bottles; tomorrow, will these same goons launch grenades? These cowards will not be spared - both electorally and legally. Mark my word @GauravGogoiAsm. This is how @INCAssam tried to sabotage democracy in Assam. Today their goons attacked the Chief Minister of Assam with bottles, tomorrow these same goons will launch grenades ? These cowards will not be spared - both electorally and legally. Mark my word @GauravGogoiAsm , pic.twitter.com/WZap31SS3A Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) June 30, 2025 The BJP said the incident was not only condemnable but it also exposed the growing frustration within the Congress.BJPs Assam unit president Dilip Saikia said everyone has the right to protest in a democracy but it must be peaceful and democratic. When a protest turns violent, it only reflects the deep frustration of the party involved. Such behaviour is dangerous for democracy, he remarked. He asked the Congress leadership, How can they even dream of forming a government with such a mindset? Assam will go to elections early next year. The Congress workers were protesting the alleged sale of 90 Gir cows, procured by the state government, to a few individuals, including a ministers wife and a few BJP MLAs. The government earlier procured 300 cows for the Gorukhuti dairy project.
Mother of Missing Assam Youth Makes Emotional Appeal to ULFA (I) Chief for Sons Return
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JUNE 30: The mother of Janardan Gogoi, a missing youth from Uday Nagar in Sadiya, Assam, has made a heartfelt plea to ULFA (Independent) chief commander Paresh Baruah, urging him to allow her son to return home. With her health deteriorating and weighed down by years of silence and uncertainty, the grieving []
Massive Eviction Drive Clears Encroachments in Assams Bakrikuchi Village
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JUNE 30: A massive eviction drive was conducted on Monday in Bakrikuchi village, which comes under Barkhetri in the Nalbari district of Assam, as part of the state governments drive to restore government land which has been occupied illegally. The district administration evacuated more than 450 bighas of land that was in []
ELF big step forward towards national security: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, June 29: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited Jatiyani Village in Moran to inspect the ongoing construction of the Northeasts first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) on a national highway. The ELF is being developed on a 4.2-km stretch of the Moran Bypass under the DibrugarhMoran NH-2 project in coordination with []
New flowering plant species discovered in Arunachals East Kameng; named after state's largest tribe
GUWAHATI: Forest officials in Arunachal Pradesh have discovered a new flowering plant Begonia nyishiorum, endemic to the states East Kameng district. An article on the discovery was published on June 23 in the journal Novon . Published by the Missouri Botanical Garden, Novon specialises in peer reviewed nomenclatural research and is widely regarded as a gold standard venue for announcing new plant species. The discovery was made during an expedition 'Documentation of rare flora and fauna of East Kameng district', conducted by the Seppa forest division from July last year to January this year. Divisional Forest Officer, Seppa, Abhinav Kumar told this newspaper Begonia nyishiorum remained a hidden secret all these years. Officers and staff members of the forest division and local Nyishi residents blazed fresh trekking lines by cutting through dense, untouched vegetation and camped in sub zero conditions at elevations above 2 600 metres, where several slopes lay under early winter snow. Amid this arduous survey to document the districts flora and fauna, the team noticed a cluster of begonias with unmistakable crimson fringed petiolessparking detailed collection, photography, and subsequent taxonomic work, said Kumar, also the co-lead author. Begonia nyishiorum grows in moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres above sea level and is instantly recognisable by the dense crimson, fringed scales that sheath its light green petioles - an indumentum previously unseen in any Asian begonia. Each new species we document is another reminder that vast tracts of Arunachals forest remain scientifically unexplored, said Kumar, adding, Begonia nyishiorum spotlights why the Eastern Himalaya must be treated as a global priority for both research and conservation. Talking about why this discovery matters, Kumar said currently known only from two forest sites in East Kameng, the species petiole fringe sets it apart from over 2,150 accepted begonias worldwide. He said the epithet nyishiorum honours the Nyishi community whose traditional stewardship protects these high elevation forests. According to Kumar, Arunachal adds more than ten plant species to science each year and this find underscored the states role as a cradle of Himalayan speciation. Talking about the next steps, he said forest officials will map additional populations during the 2025-26 flowering season (September-December), conduct rapid ecological assessments to gauge habitat stability and potential anthropogenic pressure, and liaise with local Nyishi village councils to integrate traditional knowledge into long term monitoring.
Week After Landslides, Train Ops Resume Between Northeast, Rest Of India
After six days of disruption due to landslides, train services between south Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram, and the rest of the country via Guwahati partially resumed on Sunday.
GUWAHATI: Peace has been the greatest dividend of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) peace agreement signed in 2020, and holding on to it will be the biggest challenge for any political party that forms the next government in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The Centre had signed the BTR peace accord with some insurgent groups and the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU). Pramod Boro, the then ABSU president, was an architect of this pact. He is now the Chief Executive Member of the autonomous BTC as well as president of the political outfit United Peoples Party Liberal (UPPL). The BTC, currently ruled by the BJP-UPPL combine, is expected to go to polls, possibly in September. Peace remains unpredictable in BTR, as evidenced by violence and unrest in the past despite the signing of earlier peace agreements. The BTR peace accord, however, has stood the test of time. Over the past five years, there has not been a single major incident of violence in the BTR, which comprises the five districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri. The BTC administers these districts in western and northern Assam. The BJP has decided to contest the elections independently, as it did in 2020 when it did not have any pre-poll alliance with any party. This decision has left the UPPL with no option but to contest on its own strength. Similarly, the Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) and the Congress, which is seeking to grow in the region, will also go solo. For the BJP, which has previously worked with the BPF in the Assam government, this move appears to be one of political convenience. Its post-election alignmenteither with the UPPL or BPFwill depend on the results. The party has kept its options open. The BTC was created under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution following a peace pact signed between the Centre, the Assam government and the erstwhile insurgent group Bodo Liberation Tigers in 2003. The BPF, formed primarily with former rebel leaders, remained in power until the 2020 polls. During its 17-year rule, it worked with both the Congress and the BJP in the state government. However, peace remained elusive, with the BPFs reign marked by multiple ethnic clashes. According to Pramod Boro, the pre-2020 BTR is vastly different from the post-2020 BTR. The BPF worked in partnership with two national parties but peace did not return to Bodoland. The BPF could not shoulder its responsibility. There was no stability, and people were divided along community lines, Boro told this newspaper. Stating that the BPF had a policy vacuum, he said his predecessor in the BTC, Hagrama Mohilarywho is a former rebel leaderdid not have any vision. Despite aligning with two national parties, he could not bring any change in Bodoland. We are happy that we are on the right track although we could not achieve a 100% success so far, the BTC chief further stated.
Remove socialism, secularism from Constitution: Assam CM
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Saturday that socialism and secularism are Western concepts, and these words should be struck off the Constitution. He said these words were included in the Preamble of the Constitution by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi when the country was under Emergency rule, and these have Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himanta Biswa Sarma pays obeisance to goddess Kamakhya
GUWAHATI, June 28: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma paid obeisance to goddess Kamakhya at the temple premise atop Nilachal hills in Guwahati on Saturday, visiting the shaktipeeth at the end of the annual Ambubachi Mela. Accompanied by his wife and their two children, he prayed for the well-being and peace of all. Jai Ma Kamakhya. []
Emergency-era Preamble amendment a festering wound: VP Dhankhar, backs RSS call for review
NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI, June 28: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday said the words inserted in the Preamble of the Constitution through an amendment during the Emergency era were a festering wound, lending weight to the call by a top RSS leader for a review of the added terms secular and socialist. Wading into the political []
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while addressing the media on Saturday at Vajpayee Bhawan, the state BJP headquarters in Guwahati, launched a book titled 'Emergency Diary'.
Aizawl: No beggars, no spit, no chaos - Inside India's most un-Indian city
There's a wry joke in Mizoram about the rest of India: Everyone there is in such a terrible hurry, but somehow always manage to arrive late . When I heard it for the first time, I was on the edge of a mountainto my right was one of Aizawl's busiest roads with bumper-to-bumper traffic, yet it was quiet enough to hear the flapping of a bird diving into the valley on my right, buildings dotting the slopes on the other side of the mountain. During my week in Aizawl, I never heard an unnecessary honk (the necessary honk will surprise you for its purpose). The understanding traffic, the quietness of busy roads gave me a culture shock. The first time I had encountered something similar was in 2002 in Germany, where in two weeks, the only horn I heard was fired at me when I was crossing the road on a red pedestrian light. To experience that same culture shock right here in India, amidst a people so quiet, so polite they can give the Japanese a run for their decency, that's a shock of a different kind. To truly understand Aizawl, forget everything you think you know about Indian cities. Tuck away the cacophony, the frantic urgency, the visible tension that often hangs thick in the air. And journey instead to the capital of Mizoram, the capital city of the Mizo people in the far eastern folds of the Himalayas, a city cradled by hilltops that are kissed by drowsy clouds that sensuously touch it as they pass by. It is a city that pulses with a different rhythm through its streets, feeling less like a chapter from the familiar Indian story and more like a vibrant, unexpected postcard slipped in from somewhere else entirely; somewhere remarkably like Japan, perhaps, nestled improbably within the Indian subcontinent. The Mizo people, guardians of this emerald paradise, seem to operate under a profoundly simple, yet radically different, philosophy: why make mess messier? Why turn misfortune into fury? It's a mindset that instantly strikes visitors, like it did me, accustomed as we are to the high-decibel stress of mainland Indian metros. Europe taught me the rarity of the unnecessary honk. Returning to India, I resigned myself to its constant presence. Until Aizawl. My friend Shashwati, my host in Aizawl, shared an incident she witnessed from her balcony, demonstrating the local culture. Two scooters collided head-on. Riders tumbled, and scrapes were sustained on their bodies. Now, picture this happening in mainland India: a volcanic eruption of curses involving mothers, sisters, ancestors would have followed; a flailing, shouting spectacle threatening to escalate into blows on both sides as a crowd gathered to watch. Shashwati, a Delhiite, braced for this familiar drama. Instead, she watched in stunned silence as both men picked themselves up, dusted off, straightened their bikes, exchanged a quiet nod, and rode away. Shit happens, seemed to be their unsaid principle, but why compound it by shittier behaviour? Her shock echoed my recollection of Western observers after the Fukushima earthquake. Despite the unimaginable loss and scarcity, the world watched in awe as the Japanese in Fukushima displayed no panic, no looting, only quiet dignity, and mutual aid that shocked experienced Western aid workers. Aizawl, it struck me, embodies that same spirit in its daily rhythms. Traffic jams occur, naturally, on narrow mountain roads. But the soundtrack to the jam is not provided by impatient honks and abuses, but by a near-silent, zen-like patience. Cars wait for their turn. At unmarked intersections, drivers consistently yield, stopping well back to allow cross-traffic to flow smoothly. Multiple times, I saw people backing away when there was no need to. In Mumbai or Delhi, the instinct is often to jam oneself forward, blocking everything, and then to hold one's ground, creating gridlock out of mere congestion. Here, the instinct is to prevent the mess. Joel, a driver who had often driven vehicles as far as UP, confirmed this ethos. Elsewhere, he mused, police are often seen controlling, sometimes beating people and traffic. Here, they seem genuinely focused on helping people. While I've seen delivery riders on electric bikes in Mumbai, weave dangerously through traffic in a desperate ten-minute dash, people in Aizawl are more likely to be engaged in ten-minute, utterly unhurried conversations, punctuated by gentle, respectful nods. I found myself speculating: perhaps the only significant difference between Japan and Mizoram is the depth of the bows and language? The composure, the understated manners, the inherent orderliness it felt strikingly similar. And the honk. Yes, its not like Mizos on Aizawl's streets don't honk. They do: 'honk honk' two quick, gentle dabs on the button. However, this occurs when the opposing vehicle is passing parallel to theirs. This gentle double honk is to say Thank You. Then there's the cleanliness. Oh, the cleanliness! Countless Indian cities trumpet claims of being the cleanest, often amidst visible evidence to the contrary. Yet, after two decades traversing this vast nation, I can confidently say Aizawl stands apart. Rubbish simply doesn't exist on the streets in any noticeable quantity. This puzzled me because people here chew tuibur (a local tobacco water). And like the rest of the Northeast, chewing a paan, betelnut, lime, and tobacco mixture is common. Where, then, are the tell-tale red stains that deface walls and pavements across the country? In a week of wandering, I saw no one spit publicly. The few instances I noticed seemed to be from those outside the Northeast. It rains a lot, yet there are no plastic bottles choking drains or empty packets drifting like urban tumbleweeds. Aizawl could be the poster city for Swachh Bharat, with zero banners for the 'Abhiyan' that failed to teach India cleanliness. Instead, it stems from a collective discipline, a shared respect for their shared space that seems ingrained. No rubbish or plastic bottles in the spotlessly clean streets. The state's social fabric reveals another layer of its distinct character. In a bustling market, I spotted a lone beggar sitting quietly on a step. I learned that local churches actively shoulder the responsibility of feeding and clothing the poor. This reminded me of the langar tradition in Punjab's Gurudwaras or community feeding at some Assam temples that offer lunch to anyone who sits there. Whether driven by deep-rooted religious doctrine (hou shalt not let thy neighbour sleep hungry?) or simply a more pervasive community ethic, the result in Aizawl is a visible absence of desperate hunger on the streets. This, even though things here are more expensive than anywhere in India, due to the cost of ferrying them through the winding mountains. Another delightful surprise, though less shocking, after visiting Shillong years earlier, was the ubiquity of women in commerce. Stroll through Aizawl's markets, and you'll find women running most shops. Unlike matrilineal Meghalaya next door, Mizo society is patriarchal. Yet, women are the undeniable drivers of daily economic lifemanaging shops, tending farms, hustling on the streets and demonstrating a visible agency that feels refreshingly normal here. And I was told that in parts of rural Mizoram, shops do not have keepers: people buy, pay, take the change, and go! This unique bubble, however, isn't without its tensions. Conversations with locals revealed their recurring grievance about visitors from the mainland: the lecherous way men stare at Mizo women like pieces of meat, replicating behaviour common in their regions, coupled with a rugrating rudeness that clashes violently with local politeness. People here move at their own pace, Shashwati explained, You can't demand instant action. You need patience and kindness, give them the same respect you expect. Yet, this is waylaid by a painful irony: despite the sophistication and order in Mizoram, many mainlandersincluding my own family and friends in Assamstill look down upon the Mizo people, dismissing them as lesser simply because they are tribal. That ingrained prejudice stings, especially for someone who has visited Aizawl. Aizawl markets are a delight of internationalism. Wander the stalls, and you'll find not just Indian goods, but a fascinating array of products from Myanmar and China. The border here is uniquely porous due to the shared ethnic Mizo communities straddling it. Locals with permits can travel up to 10 km into Myanmar to visit family and return on the same day. This constant flow brings Burmese snacks, Thai oddities, exotic cigarettes, and clothes. Step into Aizawl's only mall Millennium, and the fashion landscape shifts dramatically. Garments on 'sale' here carry a price tag of 500-1000; similar clothes can be had for a bargain (100-200) in Delhi, Mumbai, or Guwahati. The high price is due to the fact that they're essentially direct imports from East Asia. The aesthetic leans distinctly towards Chinese, Japanese, and Thai styles, making parts of the city feel like a slice of another continent. Of course, Aizawl is no utopia. Locals speak frankly of corruption as rampant as elsewhere in India, of a widening rich-poor gap, and a dire healthcare infrastructure struggling under a disproportionately high cancer burden. The reasons? Influx of drugs from Myanmar, the heavy use of tobacco, and a diet heavy on smoked meats (especially the beloved smoked pork) could be contributors, tragically offsetting the benefits of their otherwise healthy cuisine typically low in oil, rich in boiled vegetables, and remarkably light on spices and salt; and healthy dose of enforced exercise from a physically demanding landscape. Landslides all over Mizoram pose a constant threat, and I saw JCBs permanently parked on mountain cutouts, reshaping roads and even residential plots. The very house I stayed in was built on land revealed by a landslide. The funniest part for me was when I looked up. The streets were clean, but the sky was dotted with the familiar Indian tangle of crisscrossing wires that'll anchor you back to the subcontinent. Rusting vehicle carcasses occasionally mar the landscape. On my way back to the airport, part of the highway was blocked by a truck that had slipped off the side of a mountain, taking part of the road with it. The truck that had slipped off. Yet, instead of the impatient chaos, the road had transformed into a smoothly managed one, orchestrated not by traffic police but by the calm cooperation of ordinary citizens. Most jail inmates, I'm told, are there for drug-related offences. Powerful bikes sweep the steep inclines, thankfully free from the racing culture. And that stereotype of expressionless faces, hurled as much on the Mizo people as the Chinese, crumbles when you encounter their warm demeanour. The vibe, feel, and a bit of the look match that of Dharamshala. But Aizawl's is accentuated by profoundly courteous locals and traffic that flows quietly even through jams and landslides. And what underpins it all? It's a pride thing, a local told me. Dont compromise on self-respect. You don't need to analyse the Mizo faces to sense this quiet dignity: be it in the yielding driver, the spotless streets, the women confidently running shops, the nod after a collision. These aren't just charming travellers anecdotes or hyperbole. It comes from a lot of grudging respect tinged with jealousy because Aizawl is a city that forces you to redefine Indian and reimagine what India can look and feel like. But it's impossible to imagine unless you visit Mizoram. And if too many mainlanders do visit, as the upcoming railway line threatens to let them, perhaps it'll lose its serenity, its civic virtue that inspires awe and pride and gives a lesson in dignity and community. Oh, ye of little faith, I tell myself maybe the reverse would happen; perhaps the rest of India will pause its relentless honking and rushing long enough to hear the quiet wisdom of the Mizo hills. And maybe they'll take it back to where they come from. And maybe, slowly, and steadily, India will finally become what we all know it can beagain, not in hyperbole or social media bluster, but in realitya mirror of Aizawl. The Ganji Wars: Bollywood's bicep-baring battle for underpants supremacy Why even a free ticket won't tempt me to watch Tom Cruise's latest Mission Impossible
GUWAHATI: Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns over alleged favouritism and irregularities in the implementation of a government-backed dairy scheme. In his letter, Gogoi stated that the scheme provides a subsidy of up to Rs 50 lakh for each beneficiary. The objective is to promote genuine entrepreneurship in the dairy sector and strengthen milk production. However, multiple reports and official documentation point to irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries, Gogoi, also the Jorhat MP, wrote. He pointed out that several recipients of the schemes benefits appeared to be family members or associates of ministers and MLAs, while long-standing dairy farmers were reportedly overlooked despite having applied multiple times and fulfilling eligibility requirements. He said the exclusion of experienced dairy entrepreneurs raised concerns about fairness and transparency in the selection process. Equally alarming is the response from the Chief Minister of Assam, who chose to justify the inclusion of ministers family members in the list of dairy scheme beneficiaries. This open endorsement of political favouritism has fuelled public outrage for undermining the constitutional values of equality and justice, Gogoi said. He further noted that the Gorukhuti agricultural project had also come under scrutiny. Funded through public money and intended for community benefit, the project included the procurement of high-yield Gir cows from Gujarat. Gogoi said official records indicated that these cows were allocated to several elected representatives. The diversion of resources and livestock under a project supported by over Rs 25.5 crore in public funds compromises the very objective of government programmes designed to promote inclusive development, the Congress leader added. If politically-connected individuals are allowed to siphon off benefits meant for the poor, we risk alienating the very people these schemes are meant to uplift, he said. He urged Modi to instruct the government to initiate a probe into the matter at the earliest in the interest of justice and public trust.
Assam: Prime Accused Arrested in Bokakhat Grenade Attack
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JUNE 28: In a major breakthrough, Bokakhat Police, along with district officials, have arrested Ankur Das, the main accused in the recent grenade attack on the CRPF camp at Panbari, Bokakhat. He was nabbed during a late-night raid in Dergaon, and it is a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that shocked []
Assam Minister Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Hemchandra Baruah
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JUNE 28: Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah has generated a storm of public indignation with provocative remarks on Hemchandra Baruah, the celebrated lexicographer, reformer, and creator of Hemkoshthe first dictionary in Assamese. His comments, which were widely considered belittling and disrespectful, have drawn condemnations from intellectuals, civil society organizations, and people []
Assam Bans Rail Transport of Live Pigs to Combat African Swine Fever
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JUNE 28: In a decisive measure to control the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), the Government of Assam has imposed an immediate ban on the transportation of live pigs by rail into and through the state. This move follows a surge in ASF cases, which have significantly impacted the states piggery []
Guwahati Diary | Sign language elective subject in Class XI
Assam has introduced Indian Sign Language as an elective subject for Class XI students, the first state to do so. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hopes it will benefit students with hearing issues. Seventy students have already selected that subject this year. Gauhati University Vice Chancellor Nani Gopal Mahanta described the step as a forward-thinking move. He stated that under the guidance of Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, the National Education Policy 2020 aims to promote inclusive education, equipping students with future-ready skills while integrating empathy and real-world connections. Eye on polls, political focus on Bodoland The autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) will face elections later this year, and its no wonder that the political focus has shifted to the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) that the BTC administers. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who recently inaugurated several projects in BTR, plans to spend the first week of July in the region. The visit is less political, more development-oriented, he assures. Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi also visited Kokrajhar, the Bodo heartland, to address a rally. The BJP and the United Peoples Party Liberal, which are jointly in power in the BTC, and the Congress will contest separately. Proposed hydel project met with stiff opposition A 55 MW hydropower project, conceived by Assam and Meghalaya on the Kulsi River at the interstate border, is facing opposition. Thousands of people from both states took out a march two days ago to oppose it. They are concerned about the environmental implications following reports that the project involves constructing a mega dam, which would result in the eviction of the areas residents. The decision on the project was taken by the two chief ministers in Junes first week. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma then stated, Assam and Meghalaya will develop the Kulsi Irrigation project to benefit our farmers, which Assam will fund. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com
Suspects involved in last week blast held; attacks in 3 towns foiled: Himanta Biswa Sarma
GUWAHATI, June 27: All suspects entrusted with carrying out blasts in four major locations of Assam, including the one that occurred in Bokakhat last week, have been arrested by police and the grenades meant for the purpose recovered from them, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday. The key person involved with the plan []
Rail services to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, south Assam remain disrupted for 5th day
GUWAHATI, June 27: Rail services to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and parts of southern Assam remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day on Friday, even as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) claimed steady progress in restoring the affected Lumding-Badarpur hill section. NFR general manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava visited the site to review the situation and assess []
GUWAHATI, June 27: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday alleged that the previous Congress governments appeasement of illegal immigrants led to massive encroachment of over 13,000 bighas (more than 4,300 acres) of Satra (Vaishnavite monastery) land in the state. He affirmed the BJP-led ruling dispensations commitment to reclaim the land for these Vaishnavite monasteries. []
No directive in HC order to reinstate dismissed APSC officers: Himanta Biswa Sarma
GUWAHATI, June 27: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said the recent Gauhati High Court directive in the cash-for-jobs APSC scam did not instruct the state government to reinstate the dismissed tainted officers. He claimed that the order had only asked for issuance of non-stigmatic discharge letters for these former officers so they []
Assam enters national auction map as northeasts mineral potential unveiled
Guwahati hosts the 2nd North East Geology and Mining Ministers Conclave. The Geological Survey of India identifies vast mineral potential in the Northeast. Assam is auctioning limestone blocks. The state cabinet approves Assam State Mineral Trust. The Centre pledges support for state mining plans. The region's coal deposits are strategically important. Updated District Resource Maps are unveiled to guide investments.
ONGC caps Assam gas well blowout in record time; over 330 families affected safely evacuated
GUWAHATI: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has capped an oil well in its Rudrasagar field in Assams Sivasagar district from where natural gas was leaking. ONGC has successfully capped the blowout at 11:15 hours today. This blowout started on 12th June and has been capped successfully within the shortest possible time following all the best practices, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri posted on X. He said the Crisis Management Team (CMT) of ONGC, along with international well control experts, successfully capped the gas well blowout through meticulous planning and coordinated efforts. The operation was completed safely without any injury, casualty, or fire, demonstrating the team's crisis management expertise. The ONGC said the CMT, along with experts from Cudd and local operations teams, carried out the effort with high precision and coordination to ensure stability and prevent any imbalance or toppling during the lifting process. Once the damaged blowout preventer (BOP) was safely removed, the pre-positioned capping stack, prepared at the staging area, was carefully and accurately placed onto the wellhead. This pivotal action redirected the gas flow securely to the top of the capping stack, ensuring containment and control. The capping stack was firmly installed and secured, following which the BOP was successfully closed, effectively bringing an end to the gas discharge. This marks the successful culmination of the capping operation, a testament to ONGCs engineering excellence, meticulous planning, and strong collaboration with global and local partners. Subsequent steps in the well control roadmap will now be taken up as per operational protocols, the ONGC said in a statement. The energy company extended its gratitude to the state government, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the local community for their unwavering support and cooperation. The gas blowout had affected over 330 families. The families were evacuated to a safer location.
Alarming Surge in Japanese Encephalitis Cases in Assam
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JUNE 27: The state is also witnessing a disturbing rise in Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases, and health authorities are on their toes. A total of 32 patients already have been admitted with the disease and are being monitored under constant medical supervision at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). The situation has []
Kamakhya temple doors open after four days of Ambubachi Mela
GUWAHATI, June 26: The doors of Kamakhya temple atop Nilachal hill were opened to devotees on Thursday after four days of Ambubachi Mela, officials said. The mela is held for four days every year when the temple doors are closed, coinciding with the ritualistic menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya. The temple doors were closed from []
Assam gas blowout: ONGC aims to complete snubbing operation by June 27
GUWAHATI: The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is nearing the completion of efforts to cap a leaking gas well in Assams Rudrasagar field, where a blowout has been ongoing since June 12. A specialist team, including international well-control experts from CUDD Pressure Control, is currently undertaking the complex operation. According to a statement released by ONGC on Thursday, the team has successfully cleared all remaining rig components, including staircases, entangled wires, and other structural materials. This crucial step concluded with the safe removal and extraction of the rig substructure, allowing clear access to the wellhead and facilitating preparations for the forthcoming snubbing operation an essential phase in the final well-control process. Preparatory work is underway, including the deployment of snub lines. This stage involves the careful removal of the existing blowout preventer (BOP), to be followed by the installation of a new unit as part of the capping process. ONGC successfully connected hydraulic lines to the existing BOP to pressurise the unit and operate the rams. The fact that this was accomplished without any visible increase in gas discharge stands as a strong validation of ONGCs technical assessment and strategic foresight, the statement read. It added that the operation proceeded exactly as planned, highlighting the thorough preparation, accurate pressure analysis, and disciplined execution that have characterised ONGCs well-control efforts. Favourable weather conditions throughout the day enabled the team to maximise productivity. ONGC personnel worked in close coordination to make the most of the dry weather window and carry out key tasks with high efficiency. With steady progress and a focused operational roadmap, ONGC is optimistic about completing the snubbing operation before sundown on Friday, June 27 2025, the statement further noted. The gas blowout has affected over 330 families, who have since been evacuated to a safer location.
Devotees throng as Kamakhya temple reopens after Ambubachi
After four days, temple authorities today opened the doors of the sanctum sanctorum of the Ma Kamakhya temple in Guwahati for the devotees.
TRTC Guwahati Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 19 Faculty, Office Assistant and Other Posts
Tool Room and Training Centre (TRTC Guwahati) Recruitment 2025 for 19 posts of Faculty, Office Assistant and Other. Candidates with Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Diploma, ITI Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in starts from 01-07-2025, and ends on 14-07-2025. For detailed information please visit TRTC Guwahati official website, trtcguwahati.org.
CBSE Introduces Two-Phase Board Exams for Class 10 from 2026
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JUNE 26: In a path-breaking move to ease academic pressure on students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has given go-ahead to a new examination pattern through which Class 10 students will get to appear in board exams twice a year from 2026. The decision is in line with the National []
Assam CM Inspects Progress of Trumpet Junction at Brahmaputra Bridge Project
HT DIGITAL GUWAHATI, JUNE 26: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site on Wednesday, June 25, of the under-construction trumpet junction alongside the Brahmaputra Riverthe critical part of the GuwahatiNorth Guwahati bridge project. The ambitious infrastructure project will considerably improve connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The Chief Minister was flanked []
Kamakhya Temple Reopens After Ambubachi Nivriti
HT Digital GUWAHATI, JUNE 26: The Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati reopened to pilgrims early on Thursday morning after closing as part of the Ambubachi Nivriti. At 6 AM, huge crowds of people were seen waiting to pray to Goddess Kamakhya, rejoicing at the culmination of one of the most spiritually important annual functions of the []
CBSE sub-regional office to be established in Arunachal Pradesh, agreement signed
ITANAGAR, June 25:In a major boost to the education sector of Arunachal Pradesh, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) signed an agreement with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Regional Office, Guwahati, to facilitate the establishment of a CBSE Sub-Regional Officein Itanagar. This development aims to bring CBSE services closer to []
