Mother, son killed after auto-rickshaw collides with truck in Silchar
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NIT Silchar Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: National Institute of Technology Silchar (NIT Silchar) has announced the recruitment of 01 Junior Research Fellow in 2025. Candidates With B.Tech/B.E, M.E/M.Tech Can Apply Offline on or before 15-04-2025.
MoRTH okays funds for NH-37 four-laning project, to benefit state
SHILLONG, March 31: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved Rs 1186.20 crore for the four-laning of a 13 km stretch of NH-37 from Silchar (near Budha Nagar) in Assam, a project expected to benefit Meghalaya as well. Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the four-laning work will cover [] The post MoRTH okays funds for NH-37 four-laning project, to benefit state appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Assam: MoRTH Approves Funds for Silchar-Jiribam NH The Sentinel Assam
Assam: MoRTH Approves Funds for Silchar-Jiribam NHThe Sentinel Assam
Govt allocates Rs 1186 cr to enhance Silchar-Jiribam connectivity
Guwahati: The Union government announced an allocation of Rs 1186.20 crore for the four-laning of a 13 km stretch of NH-37, connecting Silchar (near Budha Nagar) in Assam to Jiribam in Manipur. In a post on X, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, said, This corridor will significantly improve connectivity between [] The post Govt allocates Rs 1186 cr to enhance Silchar-Jiribam connectivity appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Rs 1186 Crore Sanctioned for Four-Laning of NH-37 from Silchar to Jiribam Northeast Live
Rs 1186 Crore Sanctioned for Four-Laning of NH-37 from Silchar to JiribamNortheast Live
Assam University professor accused of caste discrimination and verbal abuse
Guwahati: A formal complaint has been lodged against Professor Mahmood Ansari of the Economics Department at Assam University, Silchar, accusing him of verbal abuse, caste-based discrimination, and issuing threats to maintenance workers. The incident, which reportedly occurred on March 12, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage, with workers now seeking police intervention after receiving no response [] The post Assam University professor accused of caste discrimination and verbal abuse appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Assam University Professor Accused of Caste Discrimination and Abuse
HT Digital GUWHAATI, Mar 27: A complaint has been lodged against Professor Mahmood Ansari of the Economics Department, Assam University, Silchar, over allegations of verbal abuse, caste-based discrimination, and issuing threats against workers engaged in maintenance work under a contractor. The incident has sparked outrage, with the affected workers now seeking police intervention after a []
Manipur: Protest stages against pollution in Imphal west
Imphal: Joint Action Committee against Pollution Campaign in industries in and around villages of Moidangpok, New Keihelmanbi, and Moidangpok Khunou on Wednesday, staged a protest against environmental pollution in Imphal west district of Manipur. These villages were located near the National Highway 37 linking Imphal to Silchar in Imphal West district. The protestors, during [] The post Manipur: Protest stages against pollution in Imphal west appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Manipur Governor urges NHIDCL to expedite NH-37 Imphal-Silchar repairs
Imphal: Krishnan Kumar, Managing Director of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and MS Deval, Executive Director of NHIDCL, met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, Manipur, on Tuesday evening. According to a statement from Raj Bhavan, the officials briefed the governor on the progress of various national highway development [] The post Manipur Governor urges NHIDCL to expedite NH-37 Imphal-Silchar repairs appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Guwahati Diary | Sniffer dogs to combat crimes against wildlife
Biodiversity conservation group Aaranyak has facilitated the Assam forest department in deployment of an anti-poaching K9 dog along with a trained handler in rhino-populated Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, in Nagaon district. The K9 sniffer dog unit of Belgian Malinois (female) breed will be available round-the-clock to support forest personnel in mounting surveillance. The K9 unit has been crucial for prevention of crimes against wildlife through synergised action with enforcement agencies and is aiding forest and police officials in anti-poaching operations. Rebels appeal against Hindi songs at Bihu stage The Paresh Baruah faction of banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) has appealed to Rongali Bihu organising committees and singers to refrain from performing Hindi songs for the first seven days of the festival. A month-long celebration beginning mid-April, Rongali Bihu, is Assams most colourful festival marking the Assamese New Year. Of late, a tendency was witnessed among a section of Bihu committees to incorporate performances of Hindi songs. This is unacceptable, the outfit said in a statement. Shops to operate round-the-clock The Assam govt has approved the operation of shops and commercial establishments, barring bars and liquor outlets, round-the-clock in Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Silchar Municipal areas. In other towns, they will be allowed to remain open until 2 am while in rural areas, the limit will be 11 pm. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the decisions would modernise the states economy, boost businesses, job creation, and align with global business and labour trends. No worker shall be allowed to work for more than 48 hours a week. None shall be told to work continuously for more than 5 hours unless they have been given a half-an-hour break, Sarma said. Prasanta Mazumdar Our correspondent in Guwahati prasantamazumdar@newindianexpress.com
Sidhu Moose Wala murder accused Jaggu Bhagwanpuria shifted from Punjab to Assam jail
The NCB detained Jaggu Bhagwanpuria under the PIT-NDPS Act from Bathinda Central Jail, transferring him to Assam's Silchar Jail. Bhagwanpuria, accused of 128 serious crimes, allegedly operated international drug networks from jail. Earlier, three other drug lords from Punjab were sent to Dibrugarh Jail to dismantle their networks. These moves aim to curb drug syndicates in Punjab.
Timber trader killed in Silchar bike accident
Punjab gangster-cum-drug lord Jaggu Bhagwanpuria shifted to Silchar jail in Assam
CHANDIGARH: Gangster-cum-drug lord Jagdeep Singh alias Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, an accused in Punjab singer Sidhu Moosewalas murder case has been shifted to Silchar jail in Assam from Central Jail at Bathinda. He has been detained by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB ) under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. He is the first gangster from the State who has been detained under this act. Sources said that on March 22, a joint team of the NCB and Punjab police escorted Bhagwanpuria from Bathinda to Chandigarh under heavy security cover. He was flown to Assam via Delhi and Kolkata. He was lodged in the central jail on March 23 at Silchar. A four-member NCB team over saw the transfer of this gangster. This transfer of Singh took place following a directive dated March 21, from the Joint Secretary (PIT-NDPS). Thus, the NCB carried out his immediate transfer from high-security Bathinda to Central Jail at Silchar in Assam. As per his dossier, some 128 cases are against him, including 12 under the NDPS Act. Intelligence reports indicate his involvement with Pakistan-based suppliers and international networks in Canada and the US, underscoring the transnational nature of his activities. Sources said the PIT-NDPS case was registered in Bhagwanpuria after a detailed investigation in which it was established with evidence how he was allegedly running his operations and orchestrating drug trafficking, extortion besides violent activities from behind bars. He was also using smuggled mobiles as he was issuing instructions and talking via encrypted communication to coordinate supply chains through an extensive network of operatives. Statements from some of his co-accused have further corroborated the evidence. Singh who hails from Bhagwanpur village under the jurisdiction of Kot Surat police station in Gurdaspur district is a notorious gangster and smuggler involved in cross-border narcotics smuggling. As in many cases, he is also involved with illegal weapons (pistols and revolvers.) This is the fourth detention from Punjab under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act which allows drug traffickers to be jailed for up to one year without bail. Last year in August, the NCB detained three other alleged drug lords from the state and shifted them to Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. The three individuals detained are Jaspal Singh alias Goldy, Akshay Chhabra and Balwinder Singh alias Billa Havellian. Sources said that these drug smugglers are running drug syndicates from inside jails in Punjab. This move seeks to break his powerful grip on criminal networks flourishing in the state and nearby regions.
Assam: NIT assistant professor accused of molesting female student; held
An assistant professor working at the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar, Assam, has been suspended for allegedly molesting and sexually harassing a female student. The incident occurred on March 20. He was arrested the following day. According to a complaint filed by the victim to NIT, the accused Dr Koteswara Raju 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 .
Punjab gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria transferred to Assam's Silchar jail
Punjab Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau detained jailed gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria under the PIT NDPS Act and transferred him to Assams Silchar Jail to curb drug trafficking operations. This is the fourth such detention from Punjab under the act, aiming to dismantle drug syndicates operating from within the state's prisons.
NIT Silchar's assistant professor held for molestation of student
The chamber where the alleged incident occurred has been sealed
Held My Thighs, Grabbed Neck: NIT Professor Suspended For Sexual Harassment
An Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Assam's Silchar was suspended on Friday for allegedly sexually harassing a female student.
Assam decides to offer PRCs to Moran community living in Arunachal allows shops to operate 24x7
In the same cabinet meeting which was held in Dibrugarh, the state cabinet decided to allow commercial establishments in the municipal corporation areas of Dibrugarh, Guwahati, and Silchar to operate 24x7 at the discretion of their owners
Assam University denies permission for Daawat-e-Iftaar, students upset
Guwahati: Assam University Silchar (AUS) has refused to allow students to organize a Daawat-e-Iftaar on campus during Ramadan, saying it wants to follow the secular principles of the Indian Constitution. The event, which was a religious feast, was planned by students from undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. However, after the universitys decision, the students had [] The post Assam University denies permission for Daawat-e-Iftaar, students upset appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Assam government allows 24/7 shop operations in Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Silchar
Assam's cabinet has approved 24/7 operations for shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar, excluding liquor shops and bars. The decision aims to boost economic activity while ensuring worker rights. Other key decisions include infrastructure improvements, health initiatives, and the development of Assam's second capital in Dibrugarh.
Assam approves 24/7 shop operations in major cities, expands business hours statewide
The Assam Cabinet has approved amendments to the Assam Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2025, to promote clean mining by investing in new technologies, addressing emissions, and utilizing mining waste. Shops and establishments in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar can now operate 24/7, boosting the states economy and job creation. Worker safeguards remain unchanged with specific limits on work hours.
Cabinet nod to 24x7 operation of shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Silchar
Assam cabinet allows 247 business in Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Silchar
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced that the state cabinet has approved a policy allowing shops and business establishments in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to operate 24 hours a day. Speaking at a press conference, CM Sarma stated, In todays cabinet meeting, we decided to permit round-the-clock business operations in these [] The post Assam cabinet allows 247 business in Guwahati, Dibrugarh & Silchar appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Blast outside construction company gate creates panic in Assam's Cachar
SILCHAR: A blast outside the gate of a construction company created panic in Cachar district of Assam, officials said on Thursday. The explosion took place at Tarinipur village in Katigorah police station area on Wednesday evening, they said. No person has been injured, and there is no report of any major damage. The blast took place outside the gate of a construction company. The loud sound created panic in the area, an official said. A police team, including the Cachar SP, are at the spot and investigating into the incident, he said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah warns drug cartels as NCB seizes meth worth Rs 88 crore
NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has declared that there will be no mercy for drug cartels. He praised the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for seizing a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore and for arresting four members linked to an international drug cartel. In a post on X, Shah highlighted the success of the investigation approach adopted by the NCB. No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi governments march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 88 crore has been seized, and four members of the international drug cartel have been arrested in the Imphal and Guwahati zones, he stated. He further added, The drug haul is a testament to the stellar performance of the bottom-to-top and top-to-bottom approach to investigation. Our hunt for drugs continues. Heartfelt congratulations to team NCB. No mercy for drug cartels. Accelerating the Modi govt's march to build a drug-free Bharat, a massive consignment of methamphetamine tablets worth 88 crore is seized, and 4 members of the international drug cartel are arrested in Imphal and Guwahati zones. The drug haul is a Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 16, 2025 According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), NCB officers from the Imphal Zone conducted an operation on March 13 and intercepted a truck near the Lilong area. After thoroughly inspecting the vehicle, they discovered 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets hidden in the rear toolbox and cabin. The two individuals on board were immediately taken into custody. Following this, the team carried out a follow-up operation and arrested a third suspect, who was believed to be the receiver of the drugs. A four-wheeler used for drug trafficking was also recovered, and all three individuals were later arrested. The statement further revealed that the suspected source of the drugs was Moreh, and investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in the case. Shah: Government unsparing in punishing drug traffickers On the same day, NCB officers from the Guwahati Zone, acting on a tip-off, intercepted an SUV at the AssamMizoram border near Silchar. During their inspection, they found 7.48 kg of methamphetamine tablets concealed inside the spare tyre of the vehicle. The occupant of the SUV was taken into custody and later arrested. Officials stated that the contraband originated from Moreh, Manipur, and was destined for Karimganj. Investigations are continuing to track down other individuals linked to the network. Additionally, the NCB has taken over an investigation from the Mizoram State Excise Department involving the seizure of approximately 46 kg of crystal meth in Aizawl on March 6. The MHA confirmed that four individuals have been arrested in connection with this case after their involvement in the drug syndicate was established. Authorities are now working to uncover the international and interstate connections of this trafficking network. The North Eastern Region remains one of the most vulnerable areas in India for drug trafficking due to its geographical location. In 2023, the MHA increased the strength of the NCB to intensify efforts against the drug menace. The NCB, through its five Zonal Units and a Regional Headquarters in the northeast, has been actively working to dismantle drug trafficking networks, particularly those dealing in synthetic drugs like methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as YABA. These drugs not only threaten the youth but also pose a serious risk to national security.
NIT Silchar Faculty Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 47 Posts
NIT Silchar Recruitment 2025 Apply Online: National Institute of Technology Silchar (NIT Silchar) has announced the recruitment of 47 Faculty in 2025. Candidates Can Apply Online on or before 19-03-2024
NEW DELHI: After two decades, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has resumed underwater explorations off the coast of Dwarka in Gujarat. The Additional Director General-Archaeology (ADG-A) of the Survey Professor Alok Tripathi is leading a team of five archaeologists who are working on the project. For the first time, the exploration team comprises women archaeologists. The fresh attempt to study underwater archaeology in the state assumes significance as last year in February Prime Minister Narendra Modi went scuba diving off the Panchkui beach coast to perform prayers at the ancient city of Dwarka belonging to Lord Krishna, which is now submerged. Tripathi told The New Indian Express that explorations would be conducted in a phased manner and in the first phase, locations are being identified for the research. Based on findings in the first phase, further activities will be planned and scope of explorations will be expanded accordingly, he said. The ASI has accorded permission for a year to undertake investigation. The other team members of the ASI are Director (Excavations and Explorations) HK Nayak, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist Aparajita Sharma, Poonam Vind, and Rajkumari Barbina. The project started on Monday. The team identified an area off Gomati creek for the initial investigations. The team dived to understand bathymetry of the area and other remains of archaeological interest, said an official. Officials privy to the project said that underwater exploration in Dwarka is part of the renewed Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI, which has recently been revived to undertake offshore surveys and investigations in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka. The unit has been at the forefront of underwater archaeological research since the 1980s. Since 2001, the wing has been conducting explorations at different sites such as Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep), Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu), Dwarka (Gujarat), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Elephanta Island (Maharashtra). Archaeologists of UAW have also collaborated with the Indian Navy (IN) and other government organizations for the study and protection of underwater cultural heritage. Tripathi, who is widely recognized for his expertise in underwater archaeology, especially in the excavation and surveying of archaeological materials submerged underwater, has also planned to rope in young archeologists for the project. We will hold training programmes for young professionals and enthusiasts who are having keen interest in underwater archeology and involve them, said Tripathi. In 2023, Tripathi led the survey of the disputed Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi after the Supreme Court order. He has also served as the head of the Department of History at Assam University, Silchar. Tripathi also carried out offshore and onshore excavations at Dwarka from 2005 to 2007 when the coastal areas were examined during low tide, where sculptures and stone anchors were discovered. Based on those explorations, underwater excavations were carried out, officials said. The ongoing underwater investigations mark a significant step in ASIs mission to safeguard Indias rich underwater cultural heritage and will be a milestone in maritime archaeology studies in India, an ASI official added.
Centre set to approve Rs 25,000-cr highway
SHILLONG, Jan 29: The Union Cabinet is set to give approval to the construction of a 160-km high-speed corridor connecting Shillong with Silchar to be set up on a greenfield alignment at a cost of Rs 25,000 crore, making it one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the Northeast. The announcement is likely to be [] The post Centre set to approve Rs 25,000-cr highway appeared first on The Shillong Times .
People in North East defy boycott call, celebrate Republic Day
GUWAHATI: Braving a boycott call given by some militant groups, people in the Northeast on Sunday went out in large numbers to celebrate the 76th Republic Day. A loud explosion heard at a truck parking lot in Beharbari area on the outskirts of Guwahati, and an unattended bag found lying at the inter-state bus terminal nearby, triggered panic among people. However, reports of no untoward incidents were received. The police dismissed the reports of blast. There was a loud sound but no explosion. We are investigating it, Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta told this newspaper. The Paresh Baruah faction of insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) sent an email to the media, claiming responsibility for blasts at two places in Guwahati. The outfit, in its message, said it had no intention to harm anyone but it wanted to send a message to people to not participate in Independence Day and Republic Day programmes in the future. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in his speech said the government was developing infrastructure to turn Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Silchar towns into cities. Dibrugarh will have an Assembly complex by 2027 and will be Assams second capital. Tezpur will emerge as the cultural capital and will house a Raj Bhawan. Silchar will house a mini secretariat..., Sarma said. His Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh hoped the celebration marked the beginning of the return of permanent peace in the ethnic violence-hit state. On this historic day, as we commemorate the adoption of our glorious Constitution in 1950, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles that define Indiaits unity, integrity, and vibrant spirit, Singh posted on X. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma said, Republic Day is a reminder of our collective commitment to democracy, equality, and progress. Its a day to reflect on how far weve come and the work still ahead in building an inclusive and just society. In his speech, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu expressed happiness that the decades-old insurgency issues in the state were resolved last year.
Northeast celebrates Republic Day amidst militant boycott calls
GUWAHATI: Despite a boycott call from some militant groups, people in the Northeast turned out in large numbers to celebrate the 76th Republic Day on Sunday. Reports of no untoward incidents were received, even though a loud sound heard at a truck parking lot in the Beharbari area on the outskirts of Guwahati and an unattended bag lying at the inter-state bus terminal nearby triggered panic among people. The police dismissed the reports of a blast. There was a loud sound but no explosion. We are investigating it, Commissioner of Police Partha Sarathi Mahanta told TNIE . The Paresh Baruah faction of the insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) sent an email to the media, claiming responsibility for blasts at two places in Guwahati. The outfit said it had no intention to harm anyone but wanted to send a message to people to not participate in Independence Day and Republic Day programmes in the future. The ULFA and some other extremist groups had separately called for a boycott of the Republic Day celebrations. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his speech, said the government was developing infrastructure to turn Dibrugarh, Tezpur, and Silchar towns into cities. Dibrugarh will have an Assembly complex by 2027 and will be Assams second capital. Tezpur will emerge as the cultural capital and will house a Raj Bhawan. Silchar will house a mini secretariat and chief secretarys office, Sarma said. His Manipur counterpart, N Biren Singh, hoped the celebration would mark the beginning of the return of permanent peace in the ethnic violence-hit state. On this historic day, as we commemorate the adoption of our glorious Constitution in 1950, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles that define India - its unity, integrity, and vibrant spirit, Singh posted on X. On this historic day, as we commemorate the adoption of our glorious Constitution in 1950, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values and principles that define Indiaits unity, integrity, and vibrant spirit. pic.twitter.com/bZiBCJ3gOn N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) January 26, 2025 Mizoram CM Lalduhoma said, Republic Day is a reminder of our collective commitment to democracy, equality, and progress. Its a day to reflect on how far weve come and the work still ahead in building an inclusive and just society. Nagaland Governor La Ganesan said the state government had made every effort to resolve the Naga political issue. He recalled that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues had apprised Union Home Minister Amit Shah last year of the peoples yearning for an early solution to the issue. In his speech, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu expressed happiness that the decades-old insurgency issues in the state were resolved last year.
Dibrugarh To Be Developed As Second Capital Of Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
As part of the government's urbanisation plan, Tezpur and Silchar will also be developed along with Dibrugarh, Sarma said.
Dibrugarh to be Assams second capital: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Tezpur town will house a Raj Bhavan while Silchar town will sport a Mini Secretariat and the Chief Secretarys office, Assam CM said at a Republic Day programme
Himanta accuses Nehru of keeping Ambedkar out of Constituent Assembly
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (PTI File Image) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. (PTI File Image) In his Republic Day address at Dibrugarh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a controversial remark, claiming that Indias first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, kept Dr B.R. Ambedkar out of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution. Sarma emphasized Ambedkars invaluable contributions to the nation despite these alleged obstacles. The Chief Minister's statement has drawn sharp reactions, with critics questioning its historical accuracy. Historians note that Ambedkar was initially not elected to the Constituent Assembly but later joined as a representative from Bengal after Congress intervened to ensure his inclusion. During his speech, Sarma also outlined ambitious development plans to transform Dibrugarh into Assam's second capital. These plans include constructing a new state assembly building, a Raj Bhawan in Tezpur, and a mini secretariat alongside the chief secretarys office in Silchar. Additionally, Sarma announced a series of infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity within the state. These include express highways linking Guwahati to Dibrugarh and Silchar. Our vision is to ensure balanced regional development and improve governance across Assam, he stated. The proposals for a second capital in Dibrugarh aim to decentralize administrative functions and reduce dependency on Guwahati. Critics have raised concerns over the feasibility and costs of such extensive projects, but Sarma defended them as crucial for Assams long-term growth. The Republic Day event, held at Dibrugarh for the first time in decades, also featured a parade, cultural performances, and tributes to the Constitution's makers, underlining the states focus on progress and unity.
Five held with contraband worth more than Rs 3 crore in Assam
Guwahati: Five suspected peddlers have been arrested and contraband worth over Rs 3 crore seized in separate operations in Assam's Cachar district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday. One operation was conducted at Silchar Bypass and the other at Sonai, he said. Carrying forward our anti-narcotics ops, @cacharpolice carried out 2 operations, Sarma posted on X. During the operation at Silchar Bypass, two persons were arrested with 88 grams of heroin worth Rs 60 lakh, he said. In the other operation in Sonai, three persons were held and 9,000 Yaba tablets worth Rs 3 crore recovered from them. Yaba tablets are illegal in India, a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Assam mining tragedy: Rescue operations on for 4th day, CIL brings heavy-duty pump from Maharashtra
UMRANGSO: Rescue operations by multiple state and central agencies continued for the fourth day on Thursday to locate trapped miners inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Dima Hasao district of Assam, officials said. The search operations resumed early in the morning after the dewatering exercise all night and the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) has gone inside the flooded shaft, a senior official of Assam Police told PTI. So far, nothing has been detected by the ROV. It is trying very hard to locate the trapped miner despite the extremely hostile and difficult situation. The water inside is totally blackened and it is creating problems in finding anything, he added. Additionally, four deep divers from the Navy also went inside the flooded shaft to find the trapped miners, the official said. A united effort is being made by the Navy, Army, NDRF, SDRF, ONGC, Coal India and district administration to trace the workers trapped inside. The labourers were on Monday trapped inside the 3-Kilo Coal Quarry in Umrangso area, around 250 km from Guwahati, after a sudden gush of water flooded the site. According to employees of the quarry, there were around 15 workers inside the illegal mine when water breached one of the walls and flooded the entire shaft and tunnels. We were told by the miners that nine were missing and the rest escaped the tragedy. Out of them, one body was retrieved yesterday, the official said. He said that Coal India has flown in a heavy pressure pump with a capacity of 500 gallons per minute from Maharashtra and it has reached Silchar airport in neighbouring Cachar district. One Mi-17 chopper will transport the pump parts in 2-3 sorties and then it will be assembled here at the site. Already 5-6 pumps are working, but heavy siltation in water is creating problems for the pumps. We now need heavy submersible pumps and it is being arranged, the official said. He confirmed that it was a complete rat-hole mine, which is totally illegal after a ban by the authorities concerned. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had banned rat-hole mining in 2014. However, coal is still extracted by this dangerous method in the Northeast. The shaft itself is 310 feet deep. Multiple channels were carved out through rat-hole technique from the shaft. We assume that a wall of one of the channels was breached and the entire shaft was flooded, an expert monitoring the rescue operations told PTI. There is also a possibility that one of the channels reached an unused nearby mine that was already flooded. Another possibility is one channel might have reached an underground reservoir and water gushed in suddenly. All these are probable theories, which we cannot confirm at this moment, the expert added. The body of one of the nine missing workers was recovered by Army divers on Wednesday. They located the body, identified as Ganga Bahadur Srestho from Udaypur district of Nepal, 85 feet below the surface.
Eight held for Gangrape at Guwahati Temple during Raas Mahotsav
Silchar: Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the alleged gangrape of a girl at a Durga temple in Guwahati during the Raas Mahotsav on November 17. The victim remains unidentified, and authorities are intensifying efforts to locate her, said Padmanabh Baruah, DCP, Guwahati West. The perpetrators, aged 18 to 23, reportedly filmed the assault and shared it on social media, with the video surfacing three weeks later. The arrested include Robin Das, Kuldeep Nath (23), Bijoy Rabha (22), Pinku Das (18), Gagan Das (21), Saurav Boro (20), Mrinal Rabha (19), and Dipankar Mukhiya (21). Police continue searching for the ninth suspect. The arrests began after Dharmendra Kalita, officer-in-charge of Gorchuk Police Station, received the video via WhatsApp early Friday. Raids in areas like Boragaon, Noonmati, and Jalukbari led to the detention of the suspects. During interrogation, the accused admitted to gangraping the girl while intoxicated and recording the act. Locals have criticised authorities for neglecting reports of substance abuse near the temple, claiming stricter action could have prevented the incident. Police have urged the public to avoid sharing the video, warning of legal consequences for forwarding it.
Hotels in Assam's Barak Valley not to host Bangladesh nationals till attacks on Hindus stop
GUWAHATI: Hotels in Barak Valley of Assam have announced they would not host any Bangladesh national till attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country stop. Barak Valley, which comprises three districts of Cachar, Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) and Hailakandi, shares a 129-km-long border with Bangladesh's Sylhet region. The situation of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is concerning. We cannot accept this in any way. We have, therefore, decided to stop hosting any national from that country in all the three districts of Barak Valley until the situation improves and atrocities on the Hindus stop. This is our form of protest, Barak Valley Hotel and Restaurant Association president Babul Rai told reporters on Friday. The people of Bangladesh must ensure that stability returns to the country. Only if the situation improves, we can reconsider our decision, Rai added. A few days ago, Bajrang Dal had asked organisers of an ongoing global expo in Silchar to close down two stalls selling Bangladeshi products as a protest against atrocities on Hindus in the neighbouring country. Their demand was accepted. Bajrang Dal protestors had also gone to the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Silchar and demanded that the name 'Bangladesh' be removed from the signboard. There have been widespread protests in all the three districts of Barak Valley against the alleged atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh and arrest of Hindu monk Chinmaya Krishna Das.
