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This election will make history for BJP, PM Modi: Party's Assam chief Bhabesh Kalita

This election will make history for BJP, PM Modi: Party's Assam chief Bhabesh Kalita Assam state BJP president Bhabesh Kalita on Tuesday said that the BJP is confident of making history in Assam in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls adding that the people of the state like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no opposition and wait for the results. The entire environment is only in favour of BJP and NDA. This election will make history for the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhabesh Kalita told ANI. He said that the Election Commission has announced the poll dates and the BJP is fully prepared for the election. Whatever Prime Minister Narendra Modi had done development works, implemented welfare schemes in last 10 years, we will bring all these to the voters. This is our main issue of the election campaign, our main issue will be only development. Our karyakartas will visit all villages, and every booth and will contact with all sections of people and will explain about welfare schemes which have been implemented by our government. If anyone has been deprived of getting benefits of the schemes then our karyakartas will explain to him or her about the scheme and collect the data, Bhabesh Kalita said. This time, Assam BJP will do a constructive inclusive election campaign in the state. We are hoping that, this time the winning margin of our candidates will be increased by double compared to the previous election results. This will happened only because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi because the Prime Minister has done lots of work for the development of the people, he added. Hitting out at the Congress, the Assam state BJP president said that, Gaurav Gogoi is not a heavyweight candidate, our heavyweight candidate is only PM Modiji. No one can survive infront of Modiji. Who is Gaurav Gogoi? I have not seen any environment in favour of Congress. The entire environment is only in favour of BJP and NDA. To make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for a consecutive third term, we will go to the people and will seek blessings from them. The people will give blessings to Modiji and that means they will give blessings to our candidates. There is no opposition and wait for the results, Bhabesh Kalita said. Talking about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Congress, the Assam state BJP president said that there is no right of the Congress to talk against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), because, the Congress destroyed Assam. The Assam Accord was signed in 1985, but who enacted the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) (IMDT) Act. I want to ask Congress who had imposed the IMDT Act in Assam. Why did they impose the IMDT Act? The Congress will show its worst performance in this election. The people will only see Modiji, none of the others. There is n issue with the Congress party. This election will be a single-way election, Bhabesh Kalita said. Showing his confidence, the Assam state BJP president said that, this time BJP and its ally parties will win 13 out of 14 seats in Assam. The BJP is contesting in 11 seats in Assam, while the AGP is contesting in two seats (Barpeta and Dhubri) and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) is contesting in one seat (Kokrajhar). AGP and UPPL are the other partners of the NDA and part of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government. During the 2019 General Assembly elections, the BJP competed in ten seats, while the AGP contested three and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) contested one. The BJP secured victory in nine out of the ten seats, the Congress and the All India United Democratic Front won three seats each and one was secured by independent candidate Naba Kumar Sarania. The 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Assam will be held in three phases. The first phase of the polling will be held on April 19, followed by April 26 and May 7. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be held in seven phases from April 19. Counting of votes on June 4. (ANI)

devdiscourse 19 Mar 2024 11:30 am

Bangladesh, Pakistan and India bottom in air quality rankings in 2023, data shows

SINGAPORE, March 19 (Reuters) Pakistan remained one of the worlds three smoggiest countries in 2023, as Bangladesh and India replaced Chad and Iran, with particulate matter about 15 times the level recommended by the World Health Organization, data published on Tuesday showed. Average concentrations of PM2.5 small airborne particles that damage the lungs reached 79.9 micrograms per cubic metre in Bangladesh in 2023, and 73.7 micrograms in Pakistan. The WHO recommends no more than 5 micrograms. Because of the climate conditions and the geography (in South Asia), you get this streak of PM2.5 concentrations that just skyrocket

The Sen Times 19 Mar 2024 10:41 am

Guwahati Gears Up To Host India Vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup Qualifier On March 26

The Assam Football Association (AFA) has rallied football enthusiasts to flock to the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on March 26, as India gears up to clash against Afghanistan in a pivotal FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Joint Qualifiers Round 2 match. AFA Secretary Sangrang Brahma expressed fervent anticipation for... The post Guwahati Gears Up To Host India Vs Afghanistan FIFA World Cup Qualifier On March 26 appeared first on Northeast Today .

North East Today 19 Mar 2024 10:05 am

Assam BJP leaders to conduct socio-economic survey on beneficiary schemes

Guwahati, March 19 (IANS) The BJP has decided to send its workers and leaders to every polling booth to conduct a socio-economic survey by gathering information from the voters on the various beneficiary schemes. The party leaders will travel to each polling booth and collect peoples complaints regarding the implementation of various beneficiary schemes like []

bhaskarlive 19 Mar 2024 9:32 am

BJP-led alliance discusses roadmap for joint election campaign in Assam

The News Mill

The News Mill 19 Mar 2024 8:53 am

Horoscope Today, 19 March 2024: Check your astrological predictions here

Horoscope Today | 19 March 2024: If you are interested in astrology, let us take you through what your day could look like. Here is the horoscope for 19 March 2024. Read what the stars have in store for you today (19 March 2024). ARIES (March 21 April 20) You might feel that money [] The post Horoscope Today, 19 March 2024: Check your astrological predictions here appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 19 Mar 2024 7:00 am

AAP, Left blame Cong for cracks in oppn

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:53 am

BJP rides on devpt, says Modi factor to increase seat tally

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:53 am

Modi is the surya and we all are moons: Sarma

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:52 am

Tug of war between 2 women debutants to snatch Guwahati

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:52 am

Licensed weapon holders told to deposit arms

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:51 am

EC flying squad seizes 70k from AAP Dibrugarh candidate

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:51 am

Connect with voters at grassroots: CM

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:50 am

BJP-AGP brainstorm on joint roadmap for Assam LS polls

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:50 am

Cong, TMC accuse govt of model code violation, write to EC

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:50 am

3-6L NRC-rejects to apply for citizenship via CAA: Himanta

The Times of India 19 Mar 2024 5:49 am

Assam boxers win 38 medals at REC Eastern Open Talent Hunt

The News Mill

The News Mill 19 Mar 2024 1:59 am

Assam photo journalists association forms new committee

The News Mill

The News Mill 19 Mar 2024 1:46 am

Grand re-launch of BPCL retail outlet

HT Bureau GUWAHATI, March 18: In a dazzling celebration of its 18th Anniversary, M/s Nes Jorabat, the flagship retail outlet of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), unveiled its revamped look and extended facilities on Sunday. The event, attended by esteemed guests including Zubeen Garg, renowned Singer & Pride of Assam, and A L Hek, Minister []

thehillstimes 19 Mar 2024 1:25 am

Assam will register 3-5 lakh applications under CAA: Himanta Sarma

Assam will register lakh applications under CAA Himanta Sarma

India Today 19 Mar 2024 12:22 am

3 To 6 Lakh People Will Apply For Citizenship Under CAA In Assam: Himanta Sarma

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the recent notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, has emerged as a major political issue in Assam.

NDTV 19 Mar 2024 12:14 am

Assam boxers win 38 medals at Eastern Open Talent Hunt

Guwahati: Assam boxers (Youth and Elite) have clinched a total of 38 medals including nine gold at the REC Eastern Open Talent Hunt Programme, which concluded at the Deshbhakta Tarun Ram Phookan (DTRP) Indoor Stadium in Guwahati on Monday (March 18). The Youth Girls demonstrated exceptional prowess, amassing 19 medals including five gold. Elite Women [] The post Assam boxers win 38 medals at Eastern Open Talent Hunt appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 19 Mar 2024 12:03 am

Aakar Patel | After the CAA is implemented, will NPR & NRC be coming next?

After implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, can we expect a National Population Register (NPR) and a National Register of Citizens (NRC)? That would depend on who in the government one believes. Lets have a look at the real chronology. After the Shaheen Bagh protests began, the Prime Minister said at a rally in Delhi on December 22, 2019: I want to tell the 130 crore people of India that ever since my government came to power in 2014 from then until now there has been no discussion on the NRC anywhere we only had to implement it in Assam to follow Supreme Court directives. His claim went against the public statements made by the home minister only days earlier. On December 10, Mr Shah told Parliament Is desh mein NRC hokar rahega (there will definitely be an NRC in this nation) and maan ke chaliye NRC aane wala hai (you must assume that NRC is to come). At a rally in Jharkhand on December 3, he even set a deadline for the NRCs completion: 2024; saying every infiltrator will be identified and expelled before the next election. Mr Modi himself promised to bring the NRC in his 2019 manifesto: There has been a huge change in the cultural and linguistic identity of some areas due to illegal immigration, resulting in an adverse impact on local peoples livelihood and employment. We will expeditiously complete the National Register of Citizens process in these areas on priority. In the future, we will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other parts of the country. India has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh or Pakistan. Assuming that the NPR and NRC locate undocumented migrants, the government has no means of sending them anywhere except to detention, as it was already doing in Assam. Two days after Mr Modis speech, the Union government took the first step towards the NRC. The Cabinet approved Rs 8,754 crores for the Census to be conducted in 2021 and Rs 3,941 crores for updation of the National Population Register. At a press conference, the government underplayed the NPR move. It said that anyone, including non-citizens, would be counted in the NPR for which no proof, no document, no biometric was required because, according to the government, we trust the public. The NPR exercise would begin in April 2020 and end in September (Covid-19 halted that). The NPR, the government claimed, would not be used for the NRC. Indeed, Mr Shah specifically stated the NPR had no relation to the NRC: Iska dur dur tak NRC se kuchh bhi sambandh nahin hai (It isnt even remotely connected to the NRC). Mr Shah said: NPR is the database on which policy is made. NRC is a process in which people are asked to prove their citizenship. There is no connection between the two processes, nor can they be used in each others survey. NPR data can never be used for NRC. Even the laws are different I assure people, especially from the minorities, that NPR is not going to be used for NRC. Its a rumour. It wasnt a rumour and the facts came out quite quickly. Twenty-two points of data would be collected in the NPR. The Modi government had added eight new ones. Details would be collected of an individuals Aadhaar, passport, driving licence, mobile number, voter identity card, mother tongue, and the date and birthplace of their parents. These eight were not in the 2003 Citizenship Rules, the legal framework for the NPR, and had been specifically added by the Modi government to some end. What was that end? When reporters pointed this out to then Union minister Prakash Javadekar, he said he had not seen the form finalised by experts. Research into the laws and bylaws showed the NPR was not only linked to the NRC, it was its very foundation. The NPR list would be scanned by local officials going through it to mark, at their discretion, doubtful citizens. These individuals would then have to line up and prove their citizenship. Once the list was drawn up and put on display, anyone could complain or name an individual or a family as being doubtful, even anonymously. On December 24, 2019, it was reported that NPR was indeed the basis for NRC. Section 14A of the Citizenship Act empowered the government to compulsorily register every citizen of India and issue an identity card and to maintain a National Register of Indian Citizens. The citizenship register would be generated out of this NPR database. Then someone dug up the 2018-19 annual report of Mr Shahs home ministry, which said the National Population Register is the first step towards the creation of the National Register of Indian Citizens. On July 8, 2014, then minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said: It has been decided that NPR should be completed and taken to its logical conclusion, which is creation of a National Register of Indian Citizens by verification of citizenship status of every usual resident in the NPR. On November 26, 2014, Mr Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha: The NPR is the first step towards creation of a National Register of Indian Citizens by verifying the citizenship status of every usual resident. He made similar statements linking the NPR and NRC in parliament on July 15, 22 and 23, 2014, and on May 13, 2015 and November 16, 2016. The Covid-19 pandemic is long gone. So, what is the actual status of the NPR and NRC after the CAA has arrived? We do not know, and that is concerning because it is a serious issue that has become clouded in doublespeak.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 11:59 pm

Raj Bhavan and Manipur High Court agree to aid displaced persons

Imphal: The Raj Bhavan, Imphal, and Manipur High Court have reportedly agreed to take up a joint initiative to supplement the relief efforts and materials for the internally displaced persons taking shelter at different relief camps because of the conflict between two communities in this strife state. The Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey, and the [] The post Raj Bhavan and Manipur High Court agree to aid displaced persons appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 11:10 pm

Assam DSP Arrested for Torturing and Raping Minor Domestic Help

Guwahati: The Assam police on Monday arrested a senior cop, posted as deputy superintendent of police (DSP) at the Police Training College in Assams Dergaon for allegedly torturing and raping a 15-year-old girl who was working as a domestic help at his residence. The DSP, identified as Kiran Nath, was arrested under sections 376 (raping female under sixteen years) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. According to confesion of the victim, Nath forcibly confined her in his residence and used to torture her with the help of his family members. She said that she was repeatedly raped by Nath in unnatural manner. Her family members on Saturday night lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Dergaon police station in Golaghat district and police registered a case against Nath on Sunday. She managed to escape from the house recently and came home. After she explained everything, we decided to lodge a complaint, the family members told reporters. The director general of police (DGP), Assam, Gyanendra Pratap Singh while referring allegations of sexual misconduct towards the housemaid by a DSP posted at Lachit Borphukan Police Academy (LBPA) Dergaon said that police have registered a case (No 42) under section 376, 506, and Section 6 of POCSO Act at Dergaon in Golaghat district. He further said, DSP Kiran Nath, presently posted at LBPA, Assam has been arrested on the basis of evidence that has come up during investigation of the aforementioned criminal case. The DGP said that the Assam Police has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual misconduct. Zero tolerance towards sexual misconduct amongst police personnel remains a cornerstone of the policy of Assam Police Headquarter, he said. The girl alleged that Naths wife supported him, and she tried to hide her husbands acts. Being a woman, she should have taken stand against sexual assault on a minor girl, but the lady rather tried to silence the victim, a member of the girls family said. Police said that they are investigating the matter further and more evidence is being collected. Officials said that they have recorded the statement of the girl and other witnesses as well.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 10:14 pm

Assam Congress moves ECI accusing state govt of violating model code of conduct

Guwahati : Amid the charges of violating the model code of conducts, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that there is no use of voting for Congress candidates as most of the Congress leaders are willing to join BJP. Launching the election campaign for the party candidate in Southern Assams Barrak Valley Mr Sarma told reporters, There is no use of casting vote for Congress candidates. You will have to ask them first whether they will remain with Congress or not. This time, except one, I can bring all the Congress candidates to BJP so where is the opposition ? There is no point in spoiling the vote for such a candidate who is not sure of remaining with their own party. He said, I am confident of winning the Karimganj seat. Our candidate Kripanath Mallah will win with a margin of over one lakh votes. Even a minority will vote for use. We are working for them also hundreds of minority youths have got jobs in our regimeall schemes are reaching them also so all will vote for us. Meanwhile Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has written a letter to chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar, accusing the BJP of violating the model code of conduct. The Assam Congress has written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using the images of the Prime Minister and the chief minister in government advertisements ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He wrote, This is to bring to your notice that despite the Model Code of Conduct coming into force, the Government of Assam has not yet removed advertisements and publicity material with the photographs of Prime Minister, Chief Minister etc. He further wrote, This is a gross violation of the Model Code of Conduct. You are hereby requested to take appropriate action immediately. The Congress said that as per the Model Code of Conduct, both the state and the central governments cannot use pictures of the Prime Minister, chief minister or any other elected representatives. But the Assam Government is continuing the use of such pictures in all corners, according to them.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 10:05 pm

Students Clash in Guwahati University over CAA

Guwahati : A clash broke out between the Guwahati University Students' Union and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Guwahati University on Monday where the University Students Union along with a few other student organizations had been protesting against the display of black flags and anti-CAA demonstrations within the university premises. The clash coincided with the ABVP State Students Leaders Conference which was scheduled to take place at the BKB Auditorium. Trouble ensued when the ABVP members were rallying for their conference at the auditorium. This led to a confrontation between the two sides, escalating tensions and resulting in a physical altercation. Though the situation was brought under control, sources said that tension was still prevailing due to the ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). It is significant that the All Assam Students Union (AASU) has started a protest against the implementation of the act in Assam. Their protest has started in many parts of Assam along with 11 other parties and organisations. The AASU has also moved a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India to stay the implementation of the CAA and argued that the act legitimises illegal migration, and adversely impacts indigenous traditions and violates constitutional provisions.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Mar 2024 9:55 pm

CPI hopes to get at least 15 seats in 8 states as part of INDIA

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (CPI) has identified at least 15 constituencies in eight states including Bihar, Assam, Manipur and Jharkhand, where it wants to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections under electoral pact of opposition parties as part of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The general secretary of the CPI, D Raja said that the party might soon announce its nomination for the identified seats subject to its negotiation with INDIA bloc members mainly with the Congress. The Left party has zeroed in one seat each in Manipur, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Assam and Jharkhand under the electoral alliance from the Congress. The CPI has already announced its candidate for one of the two seats in Manipur. It has fielded partys senior member and state unit general secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Laishram Sotinkumar Singh in the Inner Manipur constituency. Miffed over Wayanad, CPI says Congress must keep coalition dharma In Telangana, it is seeking Warangal Lok Sabha seat. In Maharashtra, it is expecting Shirdi constituency, Bathinda in Punjab and Jharkhands Hazaribagh. Notably, its state leadership in Jharkhand last week announced to go alone and to contest in eight seats in the state. We have decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls on our own, CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak told PTI. In west Bengal, the CPI is staking claim to three seats including Ghatal and Medinipur from which it has been winning in the past. Raja further stated that talks are underway for three constituencies in Bihar too. The probable seats are Banka, Begusarai and Madhubani. Raja said that our state leaders are holding talks with their counterparts of political parties including Congress, which are part of the alliance and he is optimistic about a positive outcome. He added that hopefully the Congress would demonstrate maturity like what Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin showed in the state while sparing seats for coalition partners. Discussions pertaining to the identified seats are being held at state level. In case, something is to be conveyed to the national leadership or my intervention is required, I will talk. Seat sharing in Tamil Nadu has already been finalised and the CPI will be contesting on two seats in the state. Stalins seat-sharing arrangement illustrates maturity and understanding of prevailing political situations. The Congress should also be accommodative to each member of the alliance because the target is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said Raja. As part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the CPI got four seats to contest in KeralaWayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Mavelikkara.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 9:53 pm

Assam: Bodoland University students body apologises for controversial march targeting Muslims

GUWAHATI: The Bodoland University Student Union (BUSU) in Assam has issued an apology to the Muslim community following a contentious procession held on its campus in Kokrajhar on March 16. The procession, organized by the Geography department of the varsity as part of the universitys 23rd varsity week and Thulunga Festival, depicted Muslim individuals in [] The post Assam: Bodoland University students body apologises for controversial march targeting Muslims appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 9:45 pm

Assam CM predicts 3-5 lakh CAA applications in state, mainly from NRC excluded

GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has predicted that approximately three to five lakh individuals in the state will seek Indian citizenship under the citizenship amendment act (CAA), emphasizing that these applicants will primarily consist of those excluded from the updated national register of citizens (NRC). Sarma highlighted that among those excluded from the [] The post Assam CM predicts 3-5 lakh CAA applications in state, mainly from NRC excluded appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 9:26 pm

Two Assam government officials arrested for corruption

GUWAHATI: In their ongoing efforts to combat corruption, officers from the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption (DVAC) apprehended two Assam government officials, including a child development project officer (CDPO), in separate operations conducted in Chirang and Nagaon districts of Assam on Monday (March 18). Brajendra Nath Das, serving as the CDPO of Borobazar ICDS project [] The post Two Assam government officials arrested for corruption appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 9:00 pm

Assam: Officials caught red-handed in bribery scandals in state

The Directorate of Vigilance & Anti-Corruption, Assam, has initiated action following numerous corruption complaints against public servants across the state.

thehillstimes 18 Mar 2024 8:48 pm

Husband accused of killing wife in Assam held by Arunachal Pradesh police

Pasighat: Two accused persons in the Guwahati murder case vide Khetri P.S C/No.36/2024 U/S 302/34 IPC in Assam were apprehended by the Pasighat police team of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh within a few hours of information received from Guwahati, Assam. Such prompt action reflects our commitment to inter-state coordination between police agencies to [] The post Husband accused of killing wife in Assam held by Arunachal Pradesh police appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 8:40 pm

COCOMI calls for UN intervention for ending strife in Manipur

IMPHAL: Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent organization in Manipur, has urged the intervention of the United Nations (UN) for ending the ten-month long strife in Manipur. Addressing the 55th UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Switzerland, COCOMI leader Khuraijam Athouba emphasized the need for immediate UN [] The post COCOMI calls for UN intervention for ending strife in Manipur appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 8:28 pm

Bribery: Assam vigilance teams nab 3 govt employees in multiple traps

Guwahati, March 18: Teams from the Assam directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption laid traps in three districts of the state on Monday, and arrested three government employees, including two officers, in a series of bribery cases. In one of the traps laid in the office of the district commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) here, Harendra Nath Baishya [] The post Bribery: Assam vigilance teams nab 3 govt employees in multiple traps appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 18 Mar 2024 8:18 pm

Delhi Police Arrests Members of Interstate Illegal Arms Supply Gang

New Delhi: The Delhi police have arrested two members of an interstate illegal arms supply gang, responsible for sourcing weapons from Madhya Pradesh and distributing them. The arrested individuals are identified as Rahim, also known as Beti, a 33-year-old resident of Madhya Pradesh, and Vishal Solav, also known as Atul, a 26-year-old resident of Maharashtra. During the arrest, the police confiscated 20 semi-automatic pistols from the accused. These illegal arms were manufactured in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, and were being sold for approximately Rs 30,000 each to end-users. The police received a tip-off on March 14 indicating that Rahim and Vishal would be delivering a significant consignment of illegal firearms to an individual named Asif in Shahdara, Delhi. This consignment was allegedly procured from Sheikh Azam, also known as Ajju or Ravan, a resident of Baitul, Madhya Pradesh. Acting on the tip-off, the police apprehended Rahim and Vishal near Burari Chowk, Outer Ring Road, Delhi, and recovered 20 semi-automatic pistols from them. Rahim, with a history of involvement in criminal cases related to the Excise Act and the Arms Act in Madhya Pradesh, has been associated with Sheikh Azam in illegal arms procurement and distribution. Vishal, on the other hand, disclosed his involvement in the illegal firearms supply syndicate, stating that Beti had roped him into the operation three years ago. Vishal would receive Rs 5,000 for each trip, during which he would transport the firearms received from Sheikh Azam to designated contacts. Rahim's criminal activities began when he came into contact with undesirable elements in his area. While serving time in Baitul jail for an Excise Act violation, he met Sheikh Azam and later collaborated with him upon release. Rahim's modus operandi involved procuring illegal pistols from Sheikh Azam and other suppliers for distribution to criminals in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. He has previously been arrested in more than five criminal cases. Israeli Military Launches Operation Near Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital Gulfam Kills Wife in Meerut After Influence by Maulvi, Arrested Sarfaraz Hussain Accused in Tragic Death of 16-Year-Old Hindu Girl in Assam

News Track 18 Mar 2024 8:17 pm

No voting arrangements for displaced Manipuris taking shelter outside state, says EC

GUWAHATI: Unlike past precedents, people displaced by the ethnic violence in Manipur and taking shelter in other states will not be able to vote in the Lok Sabha elections unless they return to their state. Manipurs Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pradeep Kumar Jha said there is no voting arrangement for people who left the state outside it. Last year, the then Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had stated that some 12,000 displaced people (Kuki-Zomi tribals) from Manipur were taking shelter in his state. On March 16, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said the displaced people in Manipur would vote from relief camps. We have drawn up a scheme which we have notified. We notified the scheme to allow voters in the camps to vote from their respective camps, Kumar had stated. The Manipur CEO told The New Indian Express that the scheme is limited to the state's territorial jurisdiction. The scheme is for the internally-displaced persons. We know that roughly about 60,000 people from across communities are staying in the relief camps in 10 districts. The scheme has been designed for them. As regards people who are in Mizoram, nobody has approached us. We are not aware of it, Jha told TNIE. Assam LS polls coincide with Rongali Bihu; displaced Manipuris to cast votes from relief camps He said people, who had left the state, could come back to their home district or any district where they would feel comfortable about coming back to vote. We are setting up special polling stations (in relief camps). They can vote there. But they will have to apply, the CEO said. As per the scheme in Manipur, the internally displaced persons will be considered as ordinary residents of the place where they have been displaced from and treated as electors of the original place. The internally displaced persons are required to submit ID form to the designated AROs (Assistant Returning Officers) at least 10 days before the date of poll. Adequate number of forms shall be made available at the offices of District Election Officers, designated AROs and at the relief camps. A copy of the scheme is also made available in the websites of Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and District Election Officers, the Manipur election department stated in a press note on March 16. In 1997, an estimated 40,000 people from Mizorams minority Bru (Reang) community had fled to adjoining Tripura in the wake of an ethnic conflict and resultant tension. After missing two elections, they cast their votes through postal ballots for two elections in Mizoram from their relief camps in Tripura. However, in the subsequent elections, they were taken to Mizoram. Special polling stations were set up for them in places close to the interstate border. Mizoram and Tripura government had jointly made their travel and security arrangements. Meanwhile, the displaced people taking shelter in Mizoram said they were unlikely to go to Manipur to cast votes. One way travel from (Mizoram capital) Aizawl to (Kuki-Zomi majority) Churachandpur costs Rs 5,000 and the time taken is 13-14 hours. If the government does not take care of our transportation, we will not go to vote, John Zo, who is the leader of a group of displaced people lodged at a Mizoram government building at Falkland in Aizawl, told this newspaper. According to his estimates, over 2,000 of the displaced people living in Mizoram are voters of Manipur. The displaced Kuki-Zomi tribals are staying in government buildings and rented accommodations, John said, adding, The Mizoram government had provided us with ration for the first four weeks. Some local NGOs and Christian organisations from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are now helping us.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 8:04 pm

About three-six lakh people will apply for Indian citizenship under CAA in Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Sarma said that while many Hindu-Bengalis who had applied for inclusion in NRC will submit applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, many others will take legal recourse as they will have to approach the tribunal to get their names cleared.

The Economic Times 18 Mar 2024 7:24 pm

Assam: Tezpur University launches 7new academic programmes

Guwahati: Tezpur University (TU) has launched seven new academic programmes, which are set to commence from 2024-25 academic session, said a statement . The newly introduced programs encompass a diverse array of disciplines, catering to the evolving needs of students and the demands of the contemporary world. These programs include: Bachelor of Design (B. Des.), [] The post Assam: Tezpur University launches 7new academic programmes appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 7:12 pm

Assam Legislative Assembly Organises National E-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Workshop In Guwahati

Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with the Assam Legislative Assembly organised National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in Guwahati today for a paperless legislative process and enhanced connectivity with all the Government departments of Assam. The NeVA implementation, as informed will revolutionise the operational dynamics of the Assam Legislative Assembly by facilitating the electronic laying... The post Assam Legislative Assembly Organises National E-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Workshop In Guwahati appeared first on Northeast Today .

North East Today 18 Mar 2024 6:48 pm

Election Campaign For Lok Sabha Polls Kicks Off In Assam

The electoral battleground in Assam has intensified as the state gears up for the Lok Sabha polls, slated to be conducted in three phases. With 14 seats up for grabs, political parties have hit the ground running, unleashing their campaign programs to sway the electorate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with its allies Asom... The post Election Campaign For Lok Sabha Polls Kicks Off In Assam appeared first on Northeast Today .

North East Today 18 Mar 2024 6:16 pm

Cong, TMC move ECI over alleged MCC violation by Assam govt

Guwahati, March 18: Opposition parties in Assam have accused the BJP-led government of violating the model code of conduct (MCC) which came into force after the parliamentary elections across the country were announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday evening. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Rajiv [] The post Cong, TMC move ECI over alleged MCC violation by Assam govt appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The Shillong Times 18 Mar 2024 6:09 pm

Exploring human existence: An analysis of Nanda Singh Borkolas Assamese novel Hadirachoki

Nanda Singh Borkola, a Sikh-Assamese writer and poet, presents a compelling blend of historical narrative and contemporary insight in his Assamese novel, Hadirachoki. Milan Kundera, in his seminal work The Art of The Novel, posits that a truly successful novel delves into unexplored aspects of human existence. Borkolas Hadirachoki navigates such uncharted territories by shedding [] The post Exploring human existence: An analysis of Nanda Singh Borkolas Assamese novel Hadirachoki appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 5:33 pm

Assam: Senior journalist Asif Ibrahim passes away at 53

GUWAHATI: Senior journalist from Assam, Asif Ibrahim, known for his insightful reporting and dedication to the field of journalism, passed away on Monday in Sivasagar. He was 53. The news of his demise has left the journalistic community across Northeast, especially in Assam, in mourning. Asif Ibrahim, son of Assams renowned lyricist, Idris Ali, had [] The post Assam: Senior journalist Asif Ibrahim passes away at 53 appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 5:26 pm

Assam will register 3-5 lakh applications under CAA: Himanta

Assam will register 3-5 lakh applications under CAA: Himanta Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that about three-five lakh people will apply for Indian citizenship under the CAA in the state, asserting that the applicants will comprise only those who were excluded from the updated National Register of Citizens (NRC). He also said that 7 lakh Muslims and 5 lakh Hindu-Bengalis, among others, were left out of the NRC list. Many Hindu-Bengalis had come at different points of time and stayed at refugee camps. When they applied for inclusion in NRC, they submitted a stamped paper as proof of having stayed at such camps. But, Prateek Hajela (former NRC state coordinator) did not accept the paper. As a result, names of many Hindu-Bengalis were not included in the NRC, Sarma said in an interview to a local television channel here. He said that while many among the 5 lakh Hindu-Bengalis who had applied for inclusion in NRC will submit applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, many others will take legal recourse. Applicants excluded from the NRC also include 2 lakh 'proper Assamese' like those having the Das (surname), the 'Koch-Rajbongshi' (community) and 1.5 lakh Gorkhas, the CM claimed. Applications under the CAA will be three-five lakh, with a 10 per cent margin of error. There won't be any 15 or 18 or 20 lakh or 1.5 crore applicants in Assam. After being in politics for so long, I have that much grip on the state, the BJP leader asserted. The Supreme Court-monitored NRC was published on August 31, 2019 and excluded 19 lakh of the 3.4 crore applicants. The Centre had earlier this month implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, notifying the rules four years after the law was passed by Parliament to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014.

devdiscourse 18 Mar 2024 5:04 pm

Papon remembers mother on her birth anniversary

Singer and composer Angaraag Mahanta a.k.a Papon remembered his mother and Assamese folk singer Archana Mahanta

Mid Day 18 Mar 2024 4:55 pm

Assam senior police officer arrested for allegedly raping minor domestic help

GUWAHATI: The police in Assam arrested a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) for allegedly raping a minor domestic help. The accused, identified as Kiran Nath and posted at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy (LBPA) in Golaghat district, was taken into custody on Sunday evening. The 15-year-old girl alleged the officer sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions. She also alleged that he had confined her to his house and tortured her. The matter came to light when the girls family members had lodged a complaint with the police. The accused was booked under IPC sections 376 (sexual assault) and 506 (criminal intimidation) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Director General of Police GP Singh said Nath had been arrested based on evidence. Reference allegations of sexual misconduct towards the housemaid by a DSP posted at LBPA Dergaon - Case No 42 under section 376,506 of IPC and Section 6 of POCSO Act has been registered at Dergaon PS, District Golaghat. DSP Kiran Nath, presently posted at @LBPA_Assam has been GP Singh (@gpsinghips) March 17, 2024 Reference allegations of sexual misconduct towards the housemaid by a DSP posted at LBPA Dergaon, a casehas been registered at Dergaon PS... DSP Kiran Nathhas been arrested on the basis of evidence that has come up during investigation of the aforementioned criminal case, Singh wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Zero tolerance towards sexual misconduct amongst police personnel remains cornerstone of the policy of @assampolice Hq, he further wrote. He warned that no policeman found to have indulged in an act of sexual misconduct or moral turpitude would be spared. The police said they were investigating the case after recording the statements of the girl and others.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 4:33 pm

Forest inferno engulfs parts of West Sikkim

GANGTOK: A significant forest blaze has erupted in West Sikkim, casting a visible pall of smoke over the Pelling-Rimbi road and sparking concern among local residents and authorities. Efforts are currently underway to quell the inferno, which has engulfed a substantial portion of the forest in Sikkim. Eyewitnesses traveling along the Pelling-Rimbi road have reported [] The post Forest inferno engulfs parts of West Sikkim appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 4:30 pm

Assam Career : Oil India Limited Recruitment 2024

Applications are invited for recruitment of 10 vacant positions or career in Oil India Limited Assam. Oil India Limited Assam is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the post or career of Contractual Paramedical Hospital Technician, Contractual Pharmacist and ContractualPublic Health Assistant (Medical). Name of post : Contractual Paramedical Hospital Technician No. of [] The post Assam Career : Oil India Limited Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 4:17 pm

Assam: Tezpur jail authorities on high alert after escape of three prisoners

TEZPUR: Authorities at Tezpur central jail in Assam are on high alert following the escape of three prisoners. The escapees have been identified as Indajit Mandal, Zeherul Islam and Thuleshwar Tati. According to reports, the trio managed to flee by scaling the perimeter wall of the jail. Indajit Mandal is originally from West Bengal, while [] The post Assam: Tezpur jail authorities on high alert after escape of three prisoners appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 3:32 pm

Assam Career : NCFE Recruitment 2024

Applications are invited for recruitment of various technical positions or career in NCFE Assam. National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) Assam is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the post or career of Consultant Information Technology (IT) altogether on contract basis. Name of post : Consultant Information Technology (IT) Essential Qualification [] The post Assam Career : NCFE Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 3:25 pm

Manipur violence: Miscreants vandalize ITLF office in Churachandpur

IMPHAL: In the most recent outbreak of violence in Manipur, unidentified individuals vandalized the office of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) in Churachandpur district late on Sunday (March 17) night. Numerous documents, computers, and pieces of furniture were reportedly damaged in the incident. According to reports, the attack may have stemmed from internal conflicts [] The post Manipur violence: Miscreants vandalize ITLF office in Churachandpur appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 2:46 pm

Papon remembers mother on birth anniv, writes in Assamese: Jote Asa bhaale thaka

Mumbai, March 18 (IANS) Singer and composer Angaraag Mahanta a.k.a Papon on Monday remembered his mother and Assamese folk singer Archana Mahanta on her 75th birth anniversary, and said, keep singing, keep smiling wherever you are. Papon is the son of renowned folk singers Khagen Mahanta and Archana. His father is known as the King []

bhaskarlive 18 Mar 2024 2:42 pm

21 polling stations in Mizoram 'critical'

Mizoram's election on April 19 includes 21 critical polling stations across 10 districts. The state shares borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Assam, Tripura, and Manipur, with some polling stations only accessible by foot or boat.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 2:16 pm

DNG College Receives Best College For NCC Activities In Arunachal Pradesh Award

In a momentous achievement, Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) in Itanagar has been honored with the esteemed Best College for NCC Activities in Arunachal Pradesh Award. The accolade was presented to DNGC Principal, Dr. MQ Khan, by NCC Director General Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, during a ceremonious event held in Narangi, Assam, on 14 March,... The post DNG College Receives Best College For NCC Activities In Arunachal Pradesh Award appeared first on Northeast Today .

North East Today 18 Mar 2024 1:15 pm

Assam: TMC accuses BJP-led government of violating Model Code of Conduct

Guwahati:The Trinamool Congress in Assam led by former MP Ripun Bora has written a letter to the Chief Election Commission of India accusing the state government of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) on Monday. Ripun Bora, Ex-MP and President of Assam TMC in a letter addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner stated of [] The post Assam: TMC accuses BJP-led government of violating Model Code of Conduct appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 1:06 pm

Governors refusal to appoint Ponmudi as minister: Supreme Court to consider Tamil Nadus plea

New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider a plea of the Tamil Nadu government against the refusal of Governor RN Ravi to appoint senior DMK leader K Ponmudi as a minister in the state cabinet. The governor has recently refused to re-induct the senior DMK leader and former Higher Education Minister into the state cabinet, saying it would be against constitutional morality. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the state government, there was

The Sen Times 18 Mar 2024 1:01 pm

Telangana Governor Tamilisai resigns

Hyderabad/Puducherry, Mar 18 (PTI) Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has tendered her resignation, the Raj Bhavan here said on Monday. Tamilisai, who is also the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, has submitted her resignation to Droupadi Murmu, President of India. The Honble Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan has tendered her resignation with immediate effect. The resignation has been submitted to the Honourable President of India, an official communique said.

The Sen Times 18 Mar 2024 12:29 pm

SBI cant be selective, has to disclose electoral bond numbers by Thursday: Supreme Court

New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday directed the SBI (State Bank of India) to make a complete disclosure of all details related to electoral bonds, including the unique bond numbers that would disclose the link between the buyer and the recipient political party, by Thursday. A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said there is no manner of doubt that the SBI is required to disclose complete details of the bonds. It directed the SBI chairman to file an affidavit before it by 5 pm on March 21 indicating that the bank

The Sen Times 18 Mar 2024 12:00 pm

Assam CM Himanta Hails PM Modi & Amit Shah As Real Heroes After Watching Article 370

Sarma along with MP Pabitra Mergherita, Pallav Lochan Das, recently joined BJP MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purakayashtha and others watched the film at a multiplex in Guwahati

News18 18 Mar 2024 11:40 am

Al-Qassam Fighters Pose Challenge to IDF Forces in Al-Zahra City, Know Why | Details

Israel strategically chose Al-Zahra area to establish a separation line between northern and central Gaza. Initially perceived as vulnerable, Al-Zahra became an entry point for Israeli forces into central Gaza. After 162 days of war, conflict resurfaces in Al-Zahra city, challenging Israel's initial assumptions. Al-Qassam fighters, captured in a video, demonstrate their capability to strike Israeli tanks effectively. The video shows the resilience and adaptability of Gaza's resistance despite the prolonged conflict.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 11:26 am

Check Bodoland lottery results 18.03.2024

Check Your Bodoland Lottery Results Today! Did you participate in the Bodoland Lottery Results draw of Assam on March 18, 2024 ? If so, its time to check your tickets! The official results are now available online, and you can easily access the results here: Remember, the Bodoland Lottery Results operates under the Bodoland Territorial [] The post Check Bodoland lottery results 18.03.2024 appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 11:23 am

More than 2.43 cr voters to exercise their franchise in LS polls: Assam CEO

The CEO told ANI that 60 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have already arrived in the state and additional forces will arrive

Mid Day 18 Mar 2024 9:21 am

Left will disappear after Lok Sabha polls, Cong will suffer badly: Manik

Tripura's CM Manik Saha, a BJP member since 2016, emphasizes healthcare, education, and inclusive politics. He predicts the decline of Left parties and Congress, praising BJP's development focus and Tipra Motha's governance contributions.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 9:10 am

Promised land: Anxieties and hopes of refugees in India

Not a sound in the classroom except the fervent scribbling of pens. Little heads have bent over their answer scripts, writing intently. 14-year-old Pooja was well-prepared; confident that shed score well. But 30 minutes into the test, the ink in her pen is going dry. Anxious, she thinks shell borrow a pen from her classmates. Sheepishly, she whispers to a girl sitting adjacent to her. Rashmi, do you have an extra pen. Rashmi looks at her for a while; her otherwise gentle face contorting in some inexplicable disgust. Yeh le, Pakistani (Here, Pakistani). Pooja is not surprised. She quietly accepts the pen and returns to her test paper. Racial slurs didnt sting anymore; they were mundane, like hunger, the cold, or the stench crawling across her colony. Many of my classmates taunted me, called me a Pakistani. Now, I ignore them, it doesnt affect me anymore. Now I can proudly say that I am an Indian, Pooja, who lives in a settlement of Hindu refugees from Pakistan at Majnu Ka Tila in central Delhi, told us. Pooja was just a toddler when her family migrated to India from Hyderabad in Pakistans Sindh province. She says she does not have any memory of Pakistan. India has always been my home, she asserts. The refugee camp at Majnu Ka Tila is home to roughly 900 refugees, many of whom have been awaiting citizenship for over a decade now. With the issue of refugees once again on the headlines after the Government of India notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, announcing the rules of implementation, those living in these colonies are once again hopeful. The Ministry of Home Affairs on March 5 notified the rules for implementation of the CAA which provides accelerated citizenship for immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, Buddhist, or Christian communities who entered India before 2014, following religious persecutions. Why CAA has polarised the polity Years of misery, ray of hope Slurs and neglect, zero civic amenities; a refugee endures. And when they belong to a nation with whom India never shared friendly relations, the social stigma itself makes the refugee life manifold agonising. Dharmveer Solanki, considered a leader among Pakistani Hindu refugee families in Delhi said the community has been waiting for thirteen years for citizenship. Our joy knows no bounds, he exclaims. After years of pain and oppression we have finally received justice. Solanki says the 160 refugee families living in the Majnu ka Tila settlement have been enduring abject poverty. The community has no access to clean water or electricity with most families earning a living by selling trinkets here and there at roadside stalls. We are forced to live in unhygienic conditions. The municipal corporation (MCD) does not pick up garbage from these areas. Access to healthcare is scant as most are not eligible for government health schemes, said Solanki. We will now be able to access various government schemes and benefits; like citizens. His lips flutter in enthusiasm every time he mentions citizen. Hailing from an agrarian community, Solanki hopes that the government will provide them with a piece of agricultural land to settle down and cultivate. Centre launches mobile app for those seeking citizenship under CAA Among the jubilant refugees in the Majnu ka Tila camp, their numbers over 500, is Kamal, living in a slum without legal sanction for decades. This moment is like a second birth, not just for me and my family but for my entire community and for those who were living here without any authority for decades, he said. Brij Lal, another afflicted, likened the occasion to Holi and Diwali. Lal attributed this milestone to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as no less than an avatar (divine incarnation) for their community. The implementation of the CAA has been a subject to much debate since its inception. However, for refugees like Solanki, Kamal, and Lal, it represents a long-awaited opportunity for a better life in their new-found homeland. When bulldozers loomed And who is a refugee? They are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country. As per the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, refugees are unable to return to their native countries because of feared persecution as a result of their identity, beliefs, or due to armed conflict, violence or grave public disorder. Many have been forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind their homes, possessions, jobs and loved ones. They may have suffered human rights violations, injured in conflict, or endured loss of life and property. Arriving in a foreign land, these people are without the rights of a citizen; a constant threat of eviction looms over their heads. Another refugee named Dayalu Kumar, selling mobile covers at Tis Hazari to earn a meager livelihood, narrates the precarious nature of the refugee life. We used to live under a constant threat that our houses would be bulldozed and we would be evicted from here. Now, we are being showered with flowers. We have been assured that we can stay here, he said. On March 4, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had issued notices to illegal settlements in the area, asking residents to vacate. The officials had notified a demolition drive on March 7 and 8 to remove the encroachments on the Yamuna floodplains. The DDA, in a statement, said they were only adhering to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that declared the area to be a part of the Yamuna flood lands. The NGT in its October 2019 order, directed that the floodlands cannot be allowed to be encroached upon as it may have detrimental effects on the ecology of the river. However, on March 13, the Delhi High Court instructed the DDA for an interim halt on the demolition of the camp. The decision came in response to a plea filed by Ravi Ranjan Singh, a refugee, who sought protection for the camp until they were allocated alternative habilitation. Singhs plea, invoking the CAA, underscored the governments pledge to provide shelter to persecuted non-Muslim minorities from neighbouring nations. But are refugees only Hindus and Sikhs? While politics peaks over granting citizenship to persecuted minorities under the CAA, the situation on the ground shows that a life of dignity is as much desired by the Rohingya refugees as it is by the Hindus and Sikhs at Majnu Ka Tila. The elusive life of dignity Notably, the Rohingya refugees, their total numbers in the millions, have populated various parts of the country, living in slums, particularly in Assam, and West Bengal. In the national capital, a cluster of Rohingyas live in the Kalindi Kunj area. They continue to endure reduced rights, without access to basic amenities like water, food, education and medical assistance. A Rohingya settlement on Jaitpur Road in Kalindi Kunj has about 54 families of over 300 individuals. Those living in these dwellings say they have been staying here for more than 10 years. Yet, they struggle everyday for drinking water. However, for electricity, they have been provided metres, a minor relief. Salimullah, resident at the Rohingya camp in Kanchankunj near Kalindi Kunj area says their lives have remained miserable. Apart from a lack of basic facilities, they are subject to demonization in the media. A strong social stigma percolates against the Rohingyas, Salimullah says, leaving them vulnerable to humiliation, and reduced opportunities. There is hardly any access to drinking water. We are deprived of the most basic of facilities. A water tanker comes once a day, that too stations nearly half a kilometre from our JJ (jhuggi jhopdi) cluster, Salimullah tells us. Notably, on Sunday, March 17, the water tanker did not arrive at the refugee camp. Salimullah says that the most distressing part is the way they are projected on the media. We are called names; ghuspetiya (infiltrators). The media marks us as criminals, and terrorists. People avoid employing us for anything, even as labourers, he said. Some NGOs, working for the upliftment of refugee communities, sometimes provide aid to the Rohingya encampments at the Kanchankunj area. However, off-late, Salimullah says the frequency of these visits have drastically reduced. Asked about the implementation of the CAA, Salimullah sighs, then looks away without offering any response. Hopes among Afghan Sikhs The members of the Sikh community who were evacuated by the Indian government from Afghanistan in 2021 after the Taliban captured the government, have their hopes up after the government notified the implementation of the CAA. Though, their lives are not as miserable as the Hindu and Sikh refugees from Pakistan and the Rohingyas, yet, not being a citizen makes them ineligible for several fundamental rights. A large number of these Sikh refugees settled at Tilak Nagar area. Guljeet Singh, president of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, Manohar Nagar told us that several local Gurudwaras offered aid to them. We gave them shelter, paid their rent and gradually most of them got employment. We bought rickshaws for them so they could earn a living. Yet providing citizenship to them is an issue the government needs to address. One among them, expresses the harsh duality of the refugee-condition. In Afghanistan, they used to say we are Indians. Here, they say we are Afghans. Where do we belong? We dont know where to go, what to do. We have no future. Citizenship is important for us.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 8:37 am

Assam DSP arrested for sexual harassment of domestic help

The News Mill

The News Mill 18 Mar 2024 8:33 am

Assam: Forest official found dead at railway station in Jorhat

Guwahati:A forest department official was found dead at a railway station in Jorhat, Assam on Sunday. As per reports, the body of Ratul Gogoi, a forest officer from Khanamukh, Sivasagar district, was found at Selenghat railway station in Mariani, Jorhat district, on Sunday. Also Read: Assam: Bodoland University portrays Muslims as criminals in cultural procession, [] The post Assam: Forest official found dead at railway station in Jorhat appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 8:28 am

Assam: Woman injured after elephant attack in Hojai

Guwahati:A woman was severely injured after being attacked by a wild elephant in Hojai, Assam on Sunday evening. As per reports, a wild elephant strayed from its forest habitat and attacked a woman at the Jathiura village in Hojai, Assam. Also Read: Assam: Congress leader Paban Singh Ghatowar praises Sarbananda Sonowal The incident was captured [] The post Assam: Woman injured after elephant attack in Hojai appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 7:41 am

Horoscope Today, 18 March2024: Check your astrological predictions here

Horoscope Today | 18 March 2024:If you are interested in astrology, let us take you through what your day could look like. Here is thehoroscopefor18 March 2024. Read what the stars have in store for you today (18 March 2024). ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20) You may get motivated to plan finances for going in for [] The post Horoscope Today, 18 March2024: Check your astrological predictions here appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .

NorthEast Now 18 Mar 2024 7:00 am

Paban Singh Ghatowar extols Sarbananda Sonowals leadership

HT Correspondent DIBRUGARH, March 17: Former Congress Union minister and ACMS president Paban Singh Ghatowar praised Sarbananda Sonowal, describing him as a strong leader who is likely to secure a better ministry in the center following the election. While attending the 133rd annual general meeting of the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA) on Saturday, []

thehillstimes 18 Mar 2024 5:30 am

NPP will back BJP in Arunachal: Conrad

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:28 am

If Congress wins, party will scrap CAA: Gaurav

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:27 am

Sonowal holds hectic parleys with ally AGP

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:26 am

Vehicles carrying EVMs to be fitted with GPS: CEO

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:26 am

Assam holds consultation meeting on agroforestry

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:26 am

11 injured in Cachar road accident

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:25 am

Section 144 imposed in Morigaon

HT Correspondent JAGIROAD, March 17: Morigaon District Magistrate Devashish Sharma has issued several restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, effective from March 18, in view of the preliminary examination of the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) scheduled for March. According to the order, no one is allowed within a 100-meter radius of []

thehillstimes 18 Mar 2024 5:00 am

DSP held for sexual assault of minor girl in Assam

Golaghat district police have apprehended a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor employed as a domestic worker at the officer's residence. The DSP, stationed at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Golaghat, Assam, has had an FIR filed against him at Dergaon police station. Charges have been levied against him following a complaint from the 15-year-old girl's family.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 3:55 am

DSP held for sexual assault of minor house help in Assam

Golaghat district police have apprehended a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor employed as a domestic worker at the officer's residence. The DSP, stationed at the Lachit Borphukan Police Academy in Golaghat, Assam, has had an FIR filed against him at Dergaon police station. Charges under Section 376 and 506 of the IPC have been levied against him following a complaint from the 15-year-old girl's family, as per police reports.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 3:55 am