Congress leader sings Bangladesh national anthem at Assam meet; CM Himanta orders treason case
GUWAHATI: A Congress leaders rendition of the Rabindra Sangeet Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomay Bhalobasi, which is the national anthem of Bangladesh, has stoked a controversy in Assam which will go to elections in six months from now. At a Seva Dal meeting of the Congress at Sribhumi in southern Assams Barak Valley two days ago, partys local leader Bidhu Bhushan Das, said to be in his seventies, started his address by singing the song. Bengalis are in a large majority in Barak Valley which adjoins Bangladesh. Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore penned the song in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal. The BJP reacted sharply after a video of the Congress leaders rendition of the song went viral. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, The meeting of the Congress started with the singing of Bangladeshs national anthem. We cannot accept it in Assam. He also said that he had instructed the Assam Police to file a case of treason against Congress members in Sribhumi district. We will lodge an FIR and the police will take actions under appropriate sections of law, he added. The BJP said Bangladesh-obsessed Congress proudly sang Bangladeshs national anthem in Assam, just days after Bangladesh dared to publish a map swallowing the entire Northeast. If after this, someone still cant see the agenda at play, then theyre either blind, complicit or both, the BJP said. The Congress shot back, slamming the BJP for its ignorance. Jorhat MP and Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi said it is a song composed by Tagore one that conveys the sentiments of Bengali culture. He alleged the BJP always insulted the Bengali language, Bengali culture and the people of Bengal. Their IT Cell in the past also insulted the people of Bengal. They have shown their ignorance. They have shown that they do not know the history of Rabindranath Thakur and his philosophy, Gogoi said. I think the people of Bengal and Bengali-speaking people in different parts of India have realised that the BJP only uses them for votes but never cares to understand their culture, language and sentiments, he further stated.
Seasonal solar fences installed in eastern Assam for HEC mitigation
Guwahati, Oct 18: In a continued effort to mitigate human-elephant conflict (HEC) and safeguard rural livelihoods, premier biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department has handed over seasonal solar fences to communities across three eastern Assam districts of Jorhat, Tinsukia and Sivasagar. These community-managed solar fences are designed to protect farmlands []
Tea blossoms have health benefits, says Nagaland University study
GUWAHATI: Not just tea, tea blossoms that are often discarded as agricultural byproducts, also have health benefits, a multi-institute research, led by the Nagaland University, has found. The study shows that these delicate flowers are abundant in potent bioactive compounds, positioning them as a natural source for health supplements and functional beverages. While tea leaves dominate global research and consumption, blossoms remain largely overlooked. This study is the first systematic effort in Assam, one of the worlds largest tea-producing regions, to analyse the biochemical richness of tea blossoms from seven premium cultivars. Nutraceutical companies could harness tea blossom extracts to create natural energy boosters, relaxation aids, and skin-health products. Beyond consumer health, the research offers economic opportunities for smallholder tea farmers by opening new revenue streams through blossom collection and processing, the Nagaland University said in a statement. This approach, the statement added, also advances environmental sustainability, as utilising blossoms reduces agricultural waste and contributes to a circular bioeconomy. With global demand rising for plant-based, eco-friendly health products, India has the chance to position itself as a leader in functional foods and supplements derived from tea blossoms, the statement said. Dr Sagarika Das from the Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at Dibrugarh University fronted this research, collaborating with tea biochemist Monoranjan Goswami from the Tocklai Tea Research Institute in Jorhat, Assam, and Prof Tanmoy Karak from the Department of Soil Science at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University. The study garnered contributions from institutions, including the University of California and the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute in New Delhi, showcasing an extraordinary alliance in the pursuit of scientific excellence. The findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, Food Research Journal. Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of the Nagaland University, said the research highlighted the potential of innovation originating from the region to effect significant global change. By tapping into the often-overlooked benefits of tea blossoms, our dedicated scientists are pioneering advancements in health and wellness that could revolutionise dietary supplements and natural remedies, he said. The research team has plans to advance into clinical trials, explore synergies with other nutraceuticals, and scale up for industrial applications across the food, pharmaceutical, and wellness sectors. Das said, Tea blossoms are known to be abundant in health-enhancing compounds, featuring notably higher concentrations of polyphenols, catechins, terpenoids, and L-theanine, while also having lower caffeine levels compared to traditional tea leaves.
The report unveils seven trends: from travel shaped by beauty, hiking, and literature to family, connections, unique stays, and grocery aisles Jorhat, India and Jaffna, Sri Lanka lead the charts among buzzing destinations while Tirupati, India and Langkawi, Malaysia rank first for best value travel Travel demand remains strong with 59% of Indian travellers planning to travel more in 2026 Skyscanner today released its Travel Trends 2026 Report at a specially curated event at Latango, Nehru Place, New Delhi. Graced by Suryakumar Yadav, Skyscanners first-ever brand ambassador in India and captain of the Indian Mens T20I cricket team, the launch unveiled seven key travel trends alongside the top trending and best-value destinations for the year. From literary escapes to grocery aisle discovery and skincare-inspired itineraries, Skyscanner's report reveals that 2026 is going to be the year of personal travel, with Indian travellers increasingly choosing to design trips that align more closely with their passions and identities. Suryakumar Yadav, Brand Ambassador, Skyscanner India and Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, at Travel Trends 2026 Report Launch This commitment to travel is reflected in their plans: 3 in 5 Indians are aiming to travel more in 2026, with many willing to spend the same or more on flights (58%), accommodation (49%), and car hire (35%) compared to 2025. At the same time, Indian travellers remain cost-conscious, with the top factors shaping their itineraries being food (63%), flight costs (60%), accommodation (56%), and visa requirements (48%). This combination of prioritising travel while making informed choices shows that Indian travellers are dedicated to enriching experiences without compromising on smart spending. Speaking on the report, Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert , shared, Marked by a shift towards deeper meaning and hyper-personalised choices, were witnessing a change in how Indians are approaching travel. One in three travellers are steering clear of touristy spots in favour of quieter, authentic alternatives. In planning their journeys, travellers are increasingly turning to digital tools, while social media motivates them to seek experiences that genuinely reflect their individual tastes. As travel in India continues to grow rapidly, technology remains at the heart of this evolution. With 86% expressing confidence in using AI to plan and book their trips in 2026, our report shows that Indians lead the world in embracing AI for travel. At Skyscanner, tools like the app-exclusive Savvy Search, powered by OpenAIs ChatGPT, help bring this to life by offering curated destination ideas complete with flight options. This rise in personalisation underpins our 2026 theme: travel is no longer just about escaping life its about discovering deeper ways to connect with it." Celebrated on the cricket field as Mr. 360 for his all-round play, Suryakumar SKY Yadav shared his take on the importance of smart travel planning, establishing himself as the Mr. 360 of travel as well. "T ravel has always been close to my heart its my way of switching off, exploring new cultures, and finding hidden gems along the way. Just like cricket, it keeps me curious and excited. With Skyscanner, I hope more people see how easy it can be to plan trips that are fun, affordable, and full of memories waiting to be made. Using a comprehensive analysis of Skyscanners proprietary global search data, partner contributions, and a consumer survey of 2,000 Indian travellers, Skyscanners Travel Trends 2026 Report reveals an evolution in travel, one where travellers are elevating the best of the here and now. Seven Travel Trends for 2026 Destination Check-In With a growing appetite for cultural immersion and design-led escapes, travellers are curating journeys where the hotel isnt just a stopover, but the star. In fact, 82% of Indians admit to choosing a destination not for its landmarks, but for the promise of a stay so compelling, it becomes the very reason to travel. For those planning their own Destination Check-In, Skyscanners hotel result filters help find the ideal stay from boutique hotels to penthouses or beachfront villas. By quickly sorting via star ratings, accommodation type, or neighbourhood vibe, they can make their search part of the adventure. Shelf Discovery Grocery aisles are no longer just about grabbing essentials, theyve become portals to culture, a way to experience the most authentic flavours of a country. Nearly 8 in 10 Indian travellers say they most often visit local supermarkets when travelling abroad, while 73% make a stop at convenience stores to discover quick bites and local staples. And for the aficionados (60%), its more than just shopping, its the ultimate cultural deep dive, a sensory adventure where every shelf tells a story and every flavour becomes a memory. Glowmads Travel is becoming the new beauty ritual, with 57% of Indian travellers stocking up on skincare and beauty products abroad, and nearly half choosing destinations for their wellness appeal. Trips are now a chance to turn virtual routines into real-world experiences, indulging both wanderlust and wellness. From hunting duty-free luxury fragrances (53%) and exploring cult beauty stores (48%) to enjoying local treatments (45%), wellness is increasingly shaping the way Indians travel. Expanding upon this growing trend, Mini Sood Banerjee, Marketing Director, Laneige India, adds, Skincare has seeped so deeply into our routines that its become more of a daily ritual rather than a one-off for a big moment. In this evolution, Korean beauty has emerged as a global wave, setting new standards for innovation, minimalism, and that luminous, healthy glow. At Laneige, our beauty philosophy is grounded in care and consistency, and that doesnt stop when you leave home. With travel becoming a way of life and a form of self-expression, skincare is no longer an afterthought; its a ritual that moves with you. Altitude Shift Indians are swapping beaches for mountains and choosing off-peak seasons to answer the call of the wild. A striking 92% now dream of year-round alpine escapes, with skiing and winter adventures just one chapter in the story. For Gen Z (51%) and millennials (47%) especially, the thrill lies in achievement, and with trek collectives like The Land of Wanderlust gaining momentum, highlands are fast becoming the ultimate badge of travel honour. And in this season of ticking off personal quests, other trends that are inspiring journeys in 2026 include: Family Miles: The spirit of Indian culture via intergenerational travel continues to grow stronger: nearly half of Indian travellers (47%) have journeyed with their parents as adults, 44% have travelled with children under 18, and 38% have experienced three-generation trips with both parents and children Catching Flights & Feelings: Travel isnt just about broadening horizons but opening them to new people and connections along the way. From chance encounters that blossom into friendships, to whirlwind romances abroad face-to-face, 87% of Indians are saying that travel has sparked new connections Book-bound: From tracing the footsteps of beloved characters to seeking out dreamy libraries and hidden bookshops, nearly 8 in 10 Indians have either booked or are considering a book-inspired getaway. Today, embracing literature is not just a pastime but an experience, and this growing fascination with titles is translating into travel Indias Top Trending* and Best Value** Destinations In 2026, Indian travellers will be broadening their travel map with destinations that combine authenticity and discovery. Making it to the list of top trending destinations are unique getaways, spanning cultural hubs, scenic retreats, and rising global spots. As for the best value destinations, the list shows Indian travellers are willing to splurge where it matters, while saving smartly elsewhere, offering the finest experiences without the premium price tag. These include: Trending Destinations % Increase In Searches Best Value Destination for 2026 % Price Drop Jorhat, India + 493% Tirupati, India -18% Jaffna, Sri Lanka + 325% Langkawi, Malaysia -17% Muscat, Oman + 211% Berlin, Germany -16% Queenstown, New Zealand + 151% Dehradun, India -14% Chiang Rai, Thailand + 133% Phuket, Thailand -13% Neel Ghose adds, What we're seeing is that Indian travellers are gravitating towards deeper cultural connections and experiences. Social media, particularly authentic video guides, are inspiring this wanderlust and shaping how people choose their next destination. The surge in searches for places like Jorhat and Jaffna reflect a desire to explore relatively lesser-known gems, rich in heritage and local flavour. On the other hand, the best value destinations have benefited from improved connectivity, new routes, and expanded flight options, making traditionally premium locations like Berlin more accessible to a larger number of Indians. Together, this shows how travellers are becoming more intentional and strategic in their choices for 2026. here . Notes to the Editor *Destinations seeing increase in flight searches between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025 for travel throughout 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, then selected for travel suitability. **Based on % price drop for economy class return flight booked between 1st January 2025 and 30th June 2025 for travel throughout 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, then selected for travel suitability. About Skyscanner Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.
2026 travel trends are out, and this Northeastern city is Indias next big travel crush!
Indian travelers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences closer to home, with destinations like Jorhat and Varanasi topping flight searches. This trend, dubbed 'personal travel,' emphasizes culture, heritage, and meaningful connections over crowded tourist spots. Travelers are rediscovering India's richness through offbeat explorations and immersive cultural encounters.
Zubeen Gargs death: Congress MP Gogoi accuses Assam CM of 'shielding' manager Shyamkanu Mahanta
GUWAHATI: Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of attempting to cover up the cause of death of music legend Zubeen Garg. Gogoi claimed that Sarma is shielding Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organiser of the Fourth North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore and demanded a fair investigation into the singers death. If you look at the tweets of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP MLAs and BJPs central IT cell, one thing is clear CM Sarma does not want to give justice to Zubeen Garg. We got indications that his main purpose is how he can shield Shyamkanu Mahanta, Gogoi alleged. Gogoi lamented that the Special Investigation Team had not taken steps to go to Singapore and interrogate the witnesses. Sarma shot back in no time, claiming that Gargs fans were happy with how the investigation progressed so far. Zubeens fans are satisfied that we are arresting one after another. They had no idea the Assam government would work so expeditiously. Given the kind of respects we have shown to Zubeen, 10 per cent of his fans have also become my fans, Sarma said. Stating that he does not want to do politics over the singers death, he said only he would gain from any politics over the incident. I had no relations with Shyamkanu Mahanta. He shared the best relationship with Gaurav Gogoi. Check Mahantas tweets during (last) Lok Sabha elections to the Jorhat seat (that Gogoi represents), Sarma told the media. Late legendary singer Zubeen Garg's wife, sister seek details over circumstances leading to his death Garg died under mysterious circumstances while swimming at a sea in Singapore on September 19. He had travelled to the country to attend the NEIF. Meanwhile, Rupkamal Kalita, an NRI and member of the Assam Association Singapore, deposed before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Assam on Tuesday. Kalita spent about six hours at the CID office before being taken away. Kalita was on the same yacht as Zubeen Garg in Singapore when Garg died. Seven other Singapore-based Assamese witnesses have not yet responded to the CIDs summons . On the other hand, two individuals Abhijit Sharma and Palash Ranjan Baruah filed a public interest litigation in the Gauhati High Court demanding a probe into Gargs death. They suspected possible criminal conspiracy among others. Mahanta and three others Gargs manager Siddharth Sharma, bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami and singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta are now in the CIDs custody following their arrest.
A life defined by art, shaped by turbulence
In death, as in life , Zubeen Garg remains one of Assams most powerful voices. Revered as a musical genius, social crusader, and cultural icon, Gargs sudden and mysterious demise in Singapore has left a void that transcends the world of music. But to understand why his death has shaken an entire state and beyond, one must understand the man whose life was deeply shaped by Assams turbulent history and whose art reflected its soul. Born into a culturally rich family in Jorhat, Garg grew up during a time when Assam was reeling under political unrest. The rise of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in 1979 had ushered in a decade of strikes, violence, and instability. For a young Zubeen, this unrest was both a constraint and a crucible. It confined his world but also shaped his purpose. In an environment of fear and fragmentation, music became a lifeline. Between the 1980s and 1990s, Zubeen recorded between 8,000 and 9,000 songs an astonishing feat for someone barely out of his teens. He turned the cassette tape into a vehicle of cultural connection, weaving folk melodies, social themes, and modern rhythms into something that felt both urgent and timeless. His song Xunere Xojuwa Poja, a haunting tribute to collective grief and resilience, remains one of the most poignant reflections of that era. But Zubeens story wasnt meant to remain local. In the late 1990s, he moved to Mumbai, a city known to reward talent but rarely accommodate outsiders. Living modestly, he hustled his way through studios, advertising agencies, and jingle work. His Bollywood breakthrough came with Ya Ali from the 2006 film Gangster, a chartbuster that catapulted him to national fame. But his first brush with Hindi cinema came in 2000, with Mere Watan, composed by Ranjit Barot. What distinguished Zubeen was not just his voice but his refusal to be boxed into one genre. From classical (Rasahiya Sajan) to pop, from devotional songs to fusion rock, he dabbled in everything. Over the years, he lent his voice to over 30 Hindi films and thousands of Assamese, Bengali, and regional tracks. He could play 12 instruments. He composed, wrote lyrics, acted in films, directed, and produced. But perhaps Zubeens most dramatic evolution came off-stage. By the late 2000s, he had transformed from a romantic idealist into a defiant public figure. A permanent tattoo of Charlie Chaplin with the words I may fall, but never fail became emblematic of his philosophy. He was increasingly vocal against government policies, censorship, exploitation in the music industry, and social injustice. I have no caste, I have no religion, I am only a human for mankind, he once said at a rally. And that is how his audience saw him. In recent years, Zubeen had become more emotional, impulsive, and candid often revealing his struggles with health and mental exhaustion. Zubeen Garg shot to fame in 1992 with his debut album Anamika. Around this time, he connected with Garima Saikia through a letter she wrote after hearing Anamika and Maya. Studying in Bombay and homesick, she found solace in his musicand eventually, in him. Their relationship faced resistance from her family and strain from Zubeens restless nature but love prevailed. They reunited, and on February 4, 2002, Zubeen married Garima. Zubeen Gargs cremation with full state honours and a 21-gun salute in Sonapur was watched by lakhs. Four days of state mourning followed. But the people of Assam demand answers. Zubeen was more than Assams most popular singer. He was its conscience, its challenger, its voice. His absence leaves a silence no song can fill. And until the truth behind his death is known, that silence will only grow louder. Zubeen Garg was poisoned by manager, festival organiser in Singapore, alleges arrested bandmate
Hope justice will be delivered: Zubeens family after arrest of manager, NEIF organiser
GUWAHATI: Deceased music legend Zubeen Gargs manager Siddharth Sharma and 4th North East India Festival (NEIF) in Singapore organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta were arrested by the Assam Police in Delhi and brought to Guwahati on Wednesday morning. Given public anger, the two were taken out of the airport under heavy security arrangements and produced before the court of Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate. The court sent the duo to a 14-day police remand. The hearing took place at the judges residence as courts are closed for Durga Puja. Sharma and Mahanta had been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, criminal conspiracy and causing death by negligence. Special Director General of Police (CID) Munna Prasad Gupta, who heads the nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), told the media that a lookout notice through the Interpol was issued earlier against the two persons. He said based on the notice, immigration authorities at the Delhi international airport detained Mahanta soon after his arrival from Singapore. Subsequently, he was handed over to a team of the Assam Police that was camping in the national capital. Gupta said Sharma was arrested near the Delhi-Haryana border. The Assam Police recovered Gargs mobile phone that was reportedly in Sharmas possession. Director General of Police Harmeet Singh assured, There will be a final result in the case. Keep faith in us. NEIF organiser, Zubeen Gargs manager arrested in connection with singers death; remanded to 14 days' custody Garg (52) had died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in Singapore on September 19. He had travelled to the country to take part in the NEIF. His family was relieved after the arrest of the two persons. His wife Garima, was hopeful that the investigators would be able to unravel the mystery surrounding the death. We all want to know what exactly happened to him in his last moments. I am confident the investigation will progress well and everything will come to light. We believe we will get justice soon, she told the media on the 13th day rituals of the deceased singer in his native place Jorhat. Gargs sister Palme Borthakur said, Now that the two persons have been arrested, we are feeling slightly better. Justice will be delivered. Stating that the police and the government are doing their job in the right way, she appealed to people to keep trust in the system. All Assam Students Union demanded exemplary punishment for the arrested persons. It said the police must ensure that they could not evade justice by taking advantage of flaws in the probe. Over 60 FIRs were lodged against Sharma, Mahanta and others in connection with the death. The arrests come amid intense pressure on the Assam government to deliver justice in the case. Recently, the government had given time till October 6 to the two arrested persons to surrender. Mahantas all bank accounts have already been frozen. The police launched a separate probe against his alleged involvement in organised financial crimes. Zubeen Gargs death: Assam government bans festival organiser amid demand for CBI probe
North East India Festival (NEIF) chief organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta and singer Zubeen Gargs manager Siddhartha Sharma have been remanded to 14 days' police custody in connection with the singers death in Singapore. The two were arrested and flown to Guwahati from Delhi. Mahanta was held upon arrival at Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport from Singapore, while Sharma was tracked and arrested from an apartment in Gurugram after reportedly travelling across Delhi and Rajasthan. Due to Durga Puja holidays, they were produced at the residence of the Kamrup Chief Judicial Magistrate, who granted 14-day police custody. The duo was then taken to the CID office for further interrogation. Zubeen Garg died of drowning in the sea in Singapore on September 19. The Assam government formed a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Special DGP M.P. Gupta, to probe the circumstances surrounding his death. Speaking from Jorhat, where she attended the singers 13th-day rituals, Zubeens wife Garima Saikia Garg said she is satisfied with the arrests and hopes the truth behind her husband's final moments will emerge soon. I have full faith in the investigating team, she said. (With inputs from PTI) Zubeen Gargs death: Assam government bans festival organiser amid demand for CBI probe
Assam bids tearful farewell to Zubeen Garg; CM Himanta announces samadhi khetra in Jorhat
Zubeen Garg to be cremated with full state honours near Guwahati: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that popular singer Zubeen Garg will receive a state funeral on Tuesday. The cremation will take place at Kamarkuchi NC village near Guwahati. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting, respecting the family's wishes. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi requested the government to preserve Zubeen Garg's ancestral home in Jorhat.
Zubeen Garg to be cremated with full state honours on Sept 23 near Guwahati: Assam CM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that popular singer Zubeen Garg will be cremated with full state honors on September 23 at Kamarkuchi NC village near Guwahati, respecting the family's wishes. The decision followed a cabinet meeting that considered proposals from both Guwahati and Jorhat.
Singer Zubeen Garg's family to take final call on cremation site: Assam Minister
Sources close to the family said that Guwahati or its suburbs could be the final choice as the singer's octogenarian father will not be able to Jorhat
Assam CM to receive singer Zubeen Garg's body in Delhi, declares three-day State mourning
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said he will receive singer Zubeen Garg's body in Delhi and accompany it to Guwahati. Sarma said the mortal remains of the singer will be brought to Guwahati on a special aircraft. It is likely to arrive in Assam on Sunday morning. The CM said he will go to Delhi later on Saturday to receive the body. I will be going to Delhi later today to receive our beloved Zubeen's mortal remains, which will arrive from Singapore. From there, we will immediately bring the body back to Guwahati, hopefully by 6 am on Sunday, the CM posted on X. Garg's body is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Saturday night and will arrive in Guwahati on Sunday morning, an official said. Garg died in Singapore on Friday, while swimming in the sea without a life jacket. Sarma said that the body has been handed over to the Indian High Commission in Singapore and the singer's accompanying team members. Sarma reviewed arrangements at Guwahati's Sarusajai Sports Stadium, where his body will be kept for people to pay their last respects. After arrival in Guwahati, Garg's body will first be taken to his Kahilipara residence, where members of his family will spend some moments with the mortal remains, and no public will be allowed, the CM said. Strict security arrangements will be ensured near his residence. I request people to stay away when Zubeen's body is taken to his home so that his family members, particularly his 85-year-old ailing father, can spend some time before the body is taken to the stadium, he said. Sarma further said that several organisations from Jorhat have demanded that the singer's last rites be performed in the Upper Assam town and a memorial dedicated to him be established there. I spoke to the High Commissioner of Singapore, His Excellency Simon Wong, and requested a detailed enquiry into the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of our beloved Zubeen Garg. Excellency has assured me of complete cooperation in this regard. @SGinIndia Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 20, 2025 The government will not make any independent decision regarding the last rites of the singer. We will first consult his family whose wish will be the top priority, and also several organisations of the state, including the Asam Sahitya Sabha (ASS), prominent cultural organisations and the people who were closely associated with him, before we make a final decision, the CM said. Sarma directed his cabinet colleagues, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and Culture Minister Bimal Borah, to hold consultations with various stakeholders in this regard. I reviewed the arrangements at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. It is our highest priority to make sure each and every well-wisher of Zubeen can pay their respects in a smooth and hassle-free manner, the CM later said in an X post. Assam declares three-day state mourning over Zubeen Garg's death The Assam government on Saturday declared three days of state mourning over singer Zubeen Garg's death. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota made the announcement in a post on X. The Government of Assam expresses deep shock and sorrow at the passing of Shri Zubeen Garg, eminent singer, filmmaker and cultural icon, he said. State mourning has been declared from 20th to 22nd September. During this period, there will be no official entertainment, dinners, or ceremonial functions, he added. Kota said the 'Seva Saptah' programmes will also be postponed as a mark of respect. However, service-oriented activities such as health camps, Nikshay Mitra support for TB patients, and plantation drives will continue, he said. Assam's popular singer Zubeen Garg dies while scuba diving in Singapore
Road rage incident leads to renaming of 'Daccapatty' locality in Assam town
GUWAHATI: A locality with a Bangladeshi touch in Assams Nagaon town has been renamed, days after an incident where an Assamese youth was assaulted by a Bengali Muslim. On August 9, Anis Rahman had assaulted Tandeep Kakoty following an altercation. The assailant was busy talking on his phone after parking his two-wheeler by the roadside in Nagaons Daccapatty area. Kakoty, who too was riding a two-wheeler behind Rahman, honked twice. This triggered a verbal tiff between the two and it soon turned violent when Rahman hit Kakoty with a helmet. He was arrested by the police soon after. The incident caught on camera went viral. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the media that he had directed Nagaon District Commissioner (DC) Debashish Sarma to rename Daccapatty with an Assamese name. So, on Tuesday, Daccapatty, a bustling business centre that got its name during the colonial era, was renamed Roopkonwar Chowk by the district administration. Noted playwright, songwriter, poet, writer and filmmaker Jyoti Prasad Agarwala is popularly called the Rupkonwar of Assamese culture. The renaming of the locality is being seen as a tribute to him. The Nagaon DC said the area had been renamed as Roopkonwar Chowk respecting the sentiments of the people of the town. The area has a bust of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. Various prominent organisations celebrate his birthday etc there. Keeping this in mind, a decision was made to rename the stretch as Roopkonwar Chowk, he told journalists. Going back to history, he said in the last part of the 19th century when the British came, they needed skilled people to make biscuits, bind books, sew clothes etc. He said people from erstwhile East Bengal came to Jorhat and then to Nagaon. It was then that Nagaon got a locality by the name of Daccapatty, he added. Incidentally, Jorhat in eastern Assam also has a locality by the name of Daccapatty.
CM Himanta says Assam has many bogus voters, backs SIR
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the voters lists in the states char (sandbar) and other riverine areas have the names of a lot of dead people. He told the media that many women also moved out after their marriage, yet the areas recorded a 100 per cent polling in the past. Batting for special intensive revision (SIR), Sarma said, When there is SIR and the names of voters are linked with their Aadhar numbers, the problems will disappear. He criticised Rahul Gandhi for opposing SIR, stating that the Congress leader was not clear about what he actually wanted. He can approach the Election Commission, ask it to rectify the voter lists and link Aadhar numbers with the names of voters to prevent people from voting at two places. But he is not interested in it, Sarma said. He asked how the Congress won in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana if the voters lists were erroneous. He said the Congress was earlier critical of electronic voting machines and now, it is using voters lists as a new ammunition. Meanwhile, Sarma clarified that the ongoing eviction drives in Assam was only against those Miya Muslims (Bengali Muslims) who had encroached upon land in forests, village grazing reserves, and professional grazing reserves. Our people do not encroach upon such lands, he said. He further stated that unlike tribals, non-tribals are not eligible for land deeds in such areas. They (Miya Muslims) have vast swathes of lands in Assams sandbars and other riverine areas where nobody else goes to live. In fact, half of Assams lands is with them in the riverine areas. But if they want to go to places like Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, where will the Assamese live? Sarma asked. Our aim is to protect the Assamese people, he further stated. Anti-'Miya' campaign continues in upper Assam, CM Himanta Sarma says protests should be democratic
Anti-'Miya' campaign continues in upper Assam, CM Himanta Sarma says protests should be democratic
Guwahati: Even as a campaign against Miyas in parts of upper Assam is getting intensified, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to people not to take law into their own hands. Miya is a pejorative term for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. Sarma said places like Lakhimpur, Jorhat, Sivasagar are the borghar (heartland) of the Assamese. If somebody enters our borghar and nobody speaks up, who will rescue the jati (race)? he asked. He called for raising a voice against it and agitating but within the law. The situation will deteriorate if somebody attempts to wipe out the Assamese. When somebody enters our borghar, it is natural that people will speak up against it, he said. The Bengali-speaking Muslims are concentrated in southern, western, central and northern Assam. Upper Assam is the states eastern part. Sarma said if people had encroached upon government land after being affected by riverbank erosion, they would have grabbed a small plot of land. He mentioned that people grabbed lands measuring up to 200 to 300 bighas in some places. The ongoing Miya Kheda Andolan (movement to drive out Miyas) in upper Assam followed eviction drives carried out by the state government in Dhubri, Goalpara, Lakhimpur and Golaghat districts. Thousands of people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, were evicted. Recently, Sarma had called upon people not to give shelter to the evictees or else, he said, the position of our people that improved through evictions and other means would become bad again. There have been at least three incidents of confrontation in Sivasagar district when the members of some non-Muslim indigenous groups and organisations raided the houses of Assamese Muslims in search of Miya workers. These groups and organisations vowed not to rest until the Miyas are driven out of upper Assam. The All Assam Students Union (AASU) backed the eviction drives by the state government. Stating that the exercise should continue to clear encroachment of government and satra (neo-Vaishnavite monastery) lands, AASU president Utpal Sarma, however, stated that the landless deserved land as per existing norms. Samujjal Bhattacharya, chief advisor to AASU and North East Students Organisation (NESO), said AASU would approach the Supreme Court seeking the re-verification of documents of the applicants of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam. Over 19.06 lakh of the 3.3 crore applicants were left out of the NRC. At the same time, NESO demands an NRC for the whole of the Northeast, Bhattacharya further stated, insisting that the detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants should continue.
Himanta Biswa Sarma's 'Pak Link' Jab To Gaurav Gogoi After Pahalgam Speech
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raked up allegations of Pakistan links to Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi and his wife, a day after the Jorhat MP delivered a fierce speech on Pahalgam and Op Sindoor criticising the government.
Congress MP Gogoi's Parliament speech proves he acts on behalf of Pakistan: Assam CM Himanta
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that his recent speech in Parliament proved beyond doubt that he acts on behalf of Pakistan. Taking to X, Sarma wrote, Speech delivered by our MP from Jorhat in Parliament yesterday proved beyond doubt that he acts on behalf of Pakistan. His secret trip and close ties with the Pakistani establishment speak volumes. The Chief Minister further claimed that Gogois wife and both children hold foreign citizenship, suggesting that the Congress leader can leave India any time. He is a disgrace to Assam and a betrayal of our pride as proud Indians, Sarma added. speech delivered by our MP from Jorhat in Parliament yesterday proved beyond doubt that he acts on behalf of Pakistan. His secret trip and close ties with the Pakistani establishment speak volumes. With his wife and both the kids holding foreign citizenship, he can leave India Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 29, 2025 The remarks come a day after Gogoi, during a debate in Parliament on Operation Sindoor , criticised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for not addressing key questions about the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. Gogoi also raised concerns over internal security lapses and questioned the governments silence on the origin of the attack. Sarma has repeatedly targeted Gogoi in recent months, accusing his wife, Elizabeth Colburn, of having links with Pakistans intelligence agency ISIan allegation the Congress MP has strongly denied. Assam CM accuses Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of meeting Pakistani Army official during visit
'Vivacious Varenya': The 10-Year-Old Assam Girl Who Has Over 20 Lakh Followers
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Army firepower to get a boost as US Apache attack helicopters to join next week
NEW DELHI: Adding teeth to the Indian Armys Aviation Corps (AAC), modern Apache attack helicopters will be joining the Unit next week. Confirming the arrivals, sources stated that the first three helicopters are expected to arrive on Sunday or Monday. These will add to the attack capability along the Western borders. This paper broke the story earlier. The Unit was formally raised in March 2024. India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trumps visit to New Delhi in 2020. Before that, the IAF had signed a contract with the US Government and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The Apache is said to be the most modern attack helicopter meant to take the place of the existing fleet of Mi-35 choppers for assault and anti-armour operations. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It features an improved Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System, which provides day, night, and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. Its Fire Control Radar can classify both air and ground targets and operates effectively in maritime environments. It can also be used for missions such as reconnaissance, security, and peacekeeping operations, in addition to attack operations. The first eight Apache copters were inducted at Pathankot Air Base on September 3, 2019 as part of the Helicopter Unit (HU) 125 Squadron (Gladiators). The second HU 137 Squadron is based out of Jorhat, Assam. The US completed delivery of all 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Contract for 6 helicopters India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trumps visit to New Delhi in 2020. Before that, IAF had signed a contract with the US and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.
GUWAHATI: The Assam cabinet on Thursday decided to crack the whip against private hospitals, making it mandatory for them to release the bodies of patients within two hours post-death certification, regardless of bill payment status. After a meeting of the cabinet, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the media that the government often receives complaints regarding various institutions witholding dead bodies as mortgage for three-four days to pressure relatives into clearing hospital bills. Calling such situations 'against human dignity', he said, You cannot keep a dead body as hostage. The cabinet has decided that if any nursing home tries to do that, their licence will be suspended for three to six months and they will be fined Rs 5 lakh. He added that in the event of repeat offences, they would be blacklisted with cancellation of their licence for eternity. A government statement issued later said hospitals must hand over dead bodies within two hours post-death certification, irrespective of pending payment. Delay beyond this may attract penal action, it warned. The government said incidents must be reported to the police and district health authority within four hours. A 24x7 toll-free helpline will allow families to report coercionUpon complaint, the designated authority must visit the site, release the dead body if wrongfully held and initiate legal proceedings, the statement said. Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the proposal for the implementation of the Gaja Mitra Scheme in eight most human-elephant conflict-prone districts such as Goalpara, Udalguri, Nagaon, Baksa, Sonitpur, Golaghat, Jorhat and Biswanath. The cabinet proposed to form a community-based voluntary monitoring and rapid response team in the affected villages. Each team would consist of eight members from the local community in 80 locations for a period of six months during which human-elephant conflict is at peak and coincides with the paddy cultivation season. The Gaja Mitra Scheme will help establish a proactive, trained and community-based support system that can complement the efforts of the Forest Department in mitigating human-elephant conflict by facilitating co-existence, protecting lives and livelihoods, and enabling safe passage for elephants through traditional routes, the statement further stated.
