Rahul Gandhi, 10 other INDIA bloc leaders file petition before SC against SIR of electoral rolls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders have moved the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the exercise. The writ petition, filed on Monday, names the ECI and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar among the respondents. According to the case status reflected on the apex court's website, the petition was filed on October 12 under diary number 64196/2026 and is currently pending. It lists Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, CPI(M) leader M.A. Baby, CPI leader D. Raja, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Mahua Majhi, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and Indian Union Muslim League leader E.T. Mohammed Basheer as petitioners. The respondents include the Election Commission of India, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi. The development comes amid an escalating confrontation between the Opposition and the poll body over the SIR exercise, with INDIA bloc leaders alleging that the revision process threatens electoral fairness and could result in the exclusion of eligible voters from electoral rolls. Earlier on Monday, Gandhi said Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant had advised Opposition leaders to approach the Supreme Court through a formal petition after they sought an appointment to raise their concerns over the SIR exercise. Addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi said he and Kharge had written to the CJI expressing concern over electoral fairness and attack on democracy. He announced that INDIA bloc leaders would jointly approach the apex court to initiate legal proceedings and appealed to citizens to join their campaign in support of the Constitution and democracy. The Opposition leaders had also begun a protest march towards the Supreme Court, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the INDIA bloc, accusing it of turning the SIR controversy into a political spectacle. BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan, speaking to IANS, dismissed the Opposition's allegations and said the Supreme Court had already ruled on the constitutional validity of the SIR exercise. This is baseless... They are lying. The Supreme Court has already ruled on the constitutionality of SIR, he said. Paswan further alleged that the Congress was losing elections across the country, including those conducted using ballot papers, and cited local elections in Silchar in Assam, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh to support his argument.
Silchar gears up for Durga Puja with heightened security, traffic curbs
Mahalaya draws thousands to Barak riverfront in Silchar
Bus operators seek resumption of Silchar-Haflong service, cite losses
Assam Cabinet adopts 75 resolutions highlighting PM Modis 25 years in public life
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 9 (IANS) The Assam Cabinet on Friday adopted 75 resolutions recognising Prime Minister Narendra Modis contributions to the development of Assam and the Northeast, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, industrial investment, healthcare, education and security. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma chaired a special 90-minute cabinet meeting dedicated exclusively to Modis 25 years in public life, beginning with his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and continuing through his years as Prime Minister. Addressing the media after the meeting, Sarma said improvements in security, connectivity and investment had created conditions for Assams economic and social transformation. Peace created the conditions for development, connectivity opened doors to opportunity, industry and investment created new economic possibilities, and healthcare and education strengthened human capabilities, he said. According to the Chief Minister, the resolutions acknowledged changes in the states economic prospects, physical infrastructure, strategic importance and social development during Modis years in public office. Sarma said Assam was increasingly emerging as a peaceful and investment-ready state, positioning itself as a gateway to the Northeast and an important contributor to the national vision of Viksit Bharat. The resolutions highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor assembly and testing facility at Jagiroad, the Rs 28,000-crore expansion of Numaligarh Refinery and the proposed Gohpur-Numaligarh twin-tube road tunnel, estimated to cost Rs 18,662 crore. Other projects cited included the Guwahati Ring Road, Kaziranga elevated corridor and Silchar-Saurashtra high-speed corridor. The cabinet also highlighted the proposed Namrup-IV ammonia-urea complex, the bamboo-based second-generation bioethanol plant at Numaligarh and the 718-km Barauni-Guwahati natural gas pipeline. The Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, which attracted investment commitments exceeding Rs 5 lakh crore, also featured in the resolutions. The document credited peace accords involving Bodo, Karbi, Adivasi and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) groups with helping address longstanding conflicts. It also cited the development of healthcare and educational institutions, including AIIMS Guwahati and IIM Guwahati, along with UNESCO World Heritage recognition for the Charaideo Moidams and Classical Language status for Assamese in 2024. The resolutions further noted Modis 36 visits to Assam since becoming Prime Minister, underscoring the states growing strategic significance under the Centres Act East Policy.
Woman killed after being hit by dumper on Silchar-Aizawl highway
Assam constitutes expert panels to strengthen environmental clearance process
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 7 (IANS) The Assam government has constituted the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), strengthening the institutional framework for evaluating projects requiring environmental clearance in the state. The constitution of the two statutory bodies follows a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on October 6. Both bodies will have a tenure of four years from the date of publication of the Central government notification in the Official Gazette. The SEIAA will be responsible for making decisions on environmental clearance applications based on recommendations of the SEAC. It will exercise its powers and follow procedures prescribed under the relevant government notification. Shyamanta Bezbarua, retired former Secretary of the Assam Public Works Department (Building and National Highway), has been appointed Chairman of the SEIAA. Dr Socindra Kumar Borthakur, retired professor of the Department of Botany at Gauhati University, will serve as a member. The Secretary of the Assam governments Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Department will function as the Member Secretary of the authority. The SEAC will be headed by Jatindra Sarma, IFS (Retd.), former Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Its members include Prof. Parthankar Choudhury of Assam University, Silchar; Dr Rahul Mahanta of Cotton University; environmentalist Dr Arup Barpujary; Dr Arup Kumar Sarma of IIT Guwahati; Dr Bhagwat Pran Duwarah of Gauhati University; and Dr Narayan Sharma of Cotton University. The Member Secretary of the Assam Pollution Control Board will serve as Member Secretary of the SEAC. The expert panel will function on the principle of collective responsibility. Its chairman will seek consensus while considering individual cases, with the majority view prevailing if consensus cannot be reached. The offices of both bodies have been established on the third floor of the Assam Pollution Control Board building at Bamunimaidam in Guwahati. The Pollution Control Board will act as the secretariat for both institutions and provide financial, logistical and manpower support. The state government will extend accommodation, transportation and other facilities required for their functioning. Remuneration and allowances for the chairmen and members will be governed by existing Assam government rules.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jab at the Congress after BJP-led NDA swept the first civic polls of the Silchar Municipal Corporation winning 34 of the 42 seats. The Silchar civic polls were held using ballot papers, which is a long demand of the opposition parties.
BJP won 32 of the 42 seats in Silchar Municipal Corporation elections held using ballot papers. Congress managed to secure only two seats while Independents took six seats. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticized Congress for performing poorly even with traditional voting methods. The elections focused on local issues such as water supply, drainage, and infrastructure improvements.
'Congress loses even on ballot papers': Himanta hails NDA's Silchar civic polls victory
NDA wins 34 of 42 Silchar Municipal Corporation seats
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says the outcome reflects the importance people attach to development, peace, connectivity, empowerment and better governance
BJP & AGP win 34 wards in 1st Silchar civic body polls, Cong bags two seats
The ruling BJP-led NDA in Assam swept the first elections to the Silchar Municipal Corporation, winning 34 of the 42 seats, while the Congress secured two seats and Independents bagged six, officials said on Tuesday (October 6).
The Bharatiya Janata Party's strong performance in the first-ever Silchar Municipal Corporation election has put the spotlight on Ataur Rahman Laskar -- the party's Muslim candidate who won Ward No. 17. Laskar defeated Congress candidate Salma Begum Laskar in the closely watched contest. The BJP emerged as the dominant force in the maiden civic polls, with the party winning 34 of the 42 wards, according to news agency PTI. The counting of votes was held on Tuesday, with ballot papers used in the election.
Passengers seek time-bound upgrade of Silchar, New Haflong rail stations
Counting of Silchar civic poll votes today, security stepped up
ED busts Rs 1,000-crore betel nut smuggling syndicate across Northeast
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Oct 5 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday said it has unearthed a well-organised, multi-layered syndicate allegedly involved in smuggling foreign-origin areca nut into India through the India-Myanmar border and laundering the proceeds, with bank credits exceeding Rs 1,000 crore identified in accounts linked to the network. According to officials, the EDs Guwahati Zonal Office conducted searches on October 1 at 16 premises in Guwahati, Siliguri, Bagdogra, Phansidewa and Cooch Behar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation was launched based on 11 FIRs registered by the Assam Police and West Bengal Police under various sections of the IPC/BNS and the NDPS Act against persons allegedly involved in smuggling, transporting and selling Indonesian, Thai and Burmese-origin areca nut. According to the ED, the consignments were brought into Mizoram through Myanmar and then transported to West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states using forged GST invoices, e-way bills and transport documents. The agency said dried areca nut was ferried across the Tiau River at Zokhawthar in small lots, bypassing the Land Customs Station. Agents on the Myanmar side allegedly sold the consignments to front firms in India. These firms were allegedly registered in the names of local residents of Champhai who had no real stake in the business. The GST registrations and bank accounts were allegedly controlled by persons based in Silchar, Assam. From Silchar, the consignments were allegedly moved to godowns around Guwahati, where they were re-bagged and re-documented before being transported through the Siliguri corridor to consuming states. The ED said the operation involved Bikaner Assam Roadlines India Ltd and associated concerns allegedly controlled by Sushil Daga. Their bank accounts showed credits of several hundred crores from areca nut traders. The agency also alleged that protection money was collected from transporters to ensure safe passage of smuggled consignments. Searches at the premises of DNG Biotech Pvt Ltd, Jai Karni Tradings Pvt Ltd, Purvottar Agro Pvt Ltd, N R Associates and others led to the seizure of approximately Rs 95 lakh in unaccounted cash, digital devices, property and investment documents and bank records. Fixed deposits worth approximately Rs 85 lakh were also frozen. Further investigation is underway.
Silchar civic polls record 63.43% turnout
More than 63% polling in first-ever Silchar Municipal Corporation election
Polling ended at 4.30 p.m., but the final turnout figure for all wards was yet to be compiled, officials said
Silchar votes in maiden corporation polls today; 52 Independents among 133 in fray
Educational credentials of BJP candidates contesting Silchar civic polls questioned
The Assam Jatiya Parishad said the election authorities failed to act on complaints against 13 candidates
4 Assam Police personnel suspended after halting ambulance for CMs convoy in Silchar
Ambulance Stopped For Convoy, Himanta Sarma Apologises To Patient, Family
In a post on X, Himanta Sarma said, Today in Silchar, an ambulance was halted to make way for my convoy. This is unacceptable, and I apologise to the patient and their family. No Chief Minister's passage should EVER take precedence over a life in need of urgent care.
Ambulance halted for his convoy in Silchar, Himanta says this is unacceptable, apologises
'Unacceptable': Assam CM issues apology after his convoy halts ambulance in Silchar
Two alleged Bangladeshi nationals held in Assam, fake Aadhaar cards recovered
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 25 (IANS) The Assam Police have apprehended two people suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals during an operation aboard the Saraihat Express, officials said on Friday. The train was travelling from Silchar to Howrah when the two suspects were intercepted by the police. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Border), Kulandra Nath Deka, said two Aadhaar cards suspected to be fake, along with Bangladeshi currency notes, were recovered from their possession during interrogation. The police have initiated the process to deport the two suspected Bangladeshi nationals from India under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, Deka said. The apprehension followed specific inputs received by the Assam Police regarding the movement of suspected illegal foreign nationals. Deka said the authorities are verifying the identities and nationality of the two persons before completing the necessary legal and deportation procedures. The Border Police wing has been conducting checks to identify foreign nationals allegedly staying in India without valid documents and those suspected of using forged Indian identity papers. The latest operation is part of the ongoing efforts by Assam Police to detect suspected illegal immigration and prevent the use of fraudulent documents to establish Indian identity. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances under which the two individuals allegedly entered India and obtained the suspected fake Aadhaar cards. Recently, Assam Police have apprehended 28 suspected illegal Bangladeshi nationals, in separate operations across the state earlier this week. On September 23, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that six suspected illegal foreigners were detained from a residence in Mankachar following specific intelligence inputs, while another 22 people were apprehended during statewide operations on September 22. Police have initiated legal proceedings against those detained and are also investigating individuals suspected of providing shelter to them. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarma has reiterated the state government's commitment to preventing illegal entry from Bangladesh and identifying foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Assam. On September 19, the Chief Minister said that Assam Police had foiled an attempted infiltration involving 10 people along the international border. In another development, two convicted individuals were handed over by Assam Police to the Border Security Force, which subsequently transferred them to Border Guards Bangladesh following the prescribed procedures. Chief Minister Sarma said the state was maintaining a robust mechanism to prevent unlawful entry and stay in India and would remain vigilant along the international border.
Assam Police refute claims of Jaggu Bhagwanpuria running crime syndicate from Silchar Jail
The News Mill
NIT Silchar Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
NIT Silchar has released the notification for Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 for 1 post. Eligible candidates with a Diploma in Electronics Engineering can apply by email till 09 October 2026.
Assam: CBI books retired NFR Deputy Chief Engineer in DA case
Digital Desk | Guwahati, Sep 21 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against retired Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Deputy Chief Engineer Sajal Kanti Das for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, officials said on Monday. The CBIs Guwahati branch has argued that Das and his wife, Sangita Das, accumulated disproportionate assets worth approximately Rs 88.20 lakh between 2016 and 2022. According to the probe agencys claim, the couples total assets, valued at around Rs 39.85 lakh in 2016, increased to Rs 1,28,66,946 by 2022. The alleged increase in assets forms the basis of the disproportionate assets case. The investigation has identified several properties and financial holdings allegedly linked to the couple in Assams Cachar district. Among the properties under scrutiny is a house valued at approximately Rs 19 lakh, reportedly constructed on five kathas of land at Rangpur locality in the Cachar district. The agency has also claimed that substantial parcels of land in Udharbond and Lakhipur localities were held in the name of Sangita Das. The CBI has further claimed that Sangita Das owned a commercial property in the Club Road area in Silchar, valued at around Rs 34 lakh. A flat on the same road, worth more than Rs 20 lakh, was allegedly registered in Sajal Kanti Dass name. As part of its investigation, the agency also identified multiple bank accounts, fixed deposits and term deposits maintained separately by the retired railway engineer and his wife. The financial holdings reportedly involved amounts running into several lakhs of rupees. Sajal Kanti Das had served as Deputy Chief Engineer with the Northeast Frontier Railway at Jiribam. The case concerns allegations of possession of assets beyond the couples known sources of income during the specified period. The properties, bank deposits and other financial holdings identified by the CBI remain subject to detailed investigation and verification. The registration of the case marks the beginning of the agencys formal investigation into the alleged accumulation of disproportionate assets. Further action will depend on the findings of the probe and the verification of the financial records and properties linked to the accused.
Manipur: 4 Killed, 6-Year-Old Injured After Twin Attacks In Naga-Majority Districts
Four people from the Kuki community were killed in two separate attacks in Manipur on Sunday, while a six-year-old child sustained bullet injuries. The first attack took place at L Tollen village in Tamenglong district, where a woman was shot dead and her husband later succumbed to his injuries. Their six-year-old son was injured and is undergoing treatment at Silchar Medical College in Assam in stable condition. The second attack took place around 3 pm at Longpi village in Noney district, where a man and a woman were killed. Village authorities alleged the involvement of NSCN-IM and ZUF-K cadres, though police said no group has claimed responsibility and a probe is underway. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killings. The attacks come amid renewed Kuki-Naga tensions and coincided with the Kuki communitys Black Day.
Why New Secretariat At Silchar Is Himanta Sarma's Game Changer For Barak Valley
It marks a significant step towards decentralising the functioning of the Assam government and reducing the region's dependence on Dispur.
Assam Secretariat in Silchar brings administration closer to Barak Valley: Himanta Sarma
Guwahati, Aug 31 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said the establishment of the Assam Secretariat in Silchar will bring administration closer to the people of Barak Valley and end the need for residents to travel to Guwahati to access key government departments. Taking to the social media platform X, CM Sarma []
Silchar, August 20: Priyank Kanungo, a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), held a review meeting with district officials in Silchar on Thursday to discuss human rights-related issues. Following the meeting, he noted that the district is performing well in implementing the PM Ayushman scheme and distributing UID cards for persons with disabilities. ... Read more NHRC Reviews Human Rights Issues in Silchar, Highlights Progress in Ayushman and UID Card Distribution
4 Die While Cleaning Water Tank In Assam's Cachar
Four other people were also affected and are undergoing treatment at Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
301 ticketless passengers on single train fined in Tamil Nadu
2.64 lakh was collected as penalty by the Salem Railway Division during a special intensive ticket-checking drive carried out on the Coimbatore-Silchar Weekly Express (Train No. 15627)
Salem Railway Division imposes fine on 301 ticketless passengers on a single train
In a release, the Salem Railway Division said a special intensive ticket-checking drive was carried out on the Coimbatore-Silchar Weekly Express (Train No. 15627) on Sunday night
Assams Aviation Infrastructure Set for Acceleration with Silchar Greenfield Airport Approval Urged
New Delhi, July 2: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjirapu on Thursday to review the progress of proposed aviation projects in the state. The discussion focused on expediting the approval for the Silchar Greenfield Airport and accelerating other airport projects. Following the meeting at Rajiv ... Read more Assams Aviation Infrastructure Set for Acceleration with Silchar Greenfield Airport Approval Urged
Job Opportunities at NIT Silchar: Apply for Various Positions Before June 30
Dispur, June 28: A significant opportunity has emerged for youth preparing for jobs and waiting for vacancies. The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar has invited applications from eligible citizens for various positions, including Medical Officer. There are only a few days left to apply, as candidates can submit their applications until June 30. The ... Read more Job Opportunities at NIT Silchar: Apply for Various Positions Before June 30
CBI Arrests Railway Engineer in Assam for Accepting Bribe
Guwahati, June 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested a senior section engineer of the Northeast Frontier Railway in Silchar, Assam, on Sunday for allegedly accepting a bribe. The engineer was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of 20,000 from a complainant. A case has been registered against the government official, who was set ... Read more CBI Arrests Railway Engineer in Assam for Accepting Bribe
Senior Railway Engineer Arrested for Bribery in Assam
Guwahati, June 14: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior section engineer from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in Silchar, Assam, on charges of bribery. The accused official was assigned to the Civil and Works department. According to a press release issued by the CBI on Sunday, the agency registered a First ... Read more Senior Railway Engineer Arrested for Bribery in Assam
