Assam staffers stare at 20% pay cut if rewed sans divorce or first wife alive
In a notable move, the Assam government has announced a twenty percent salary reduction for employees who enter into second marriages without obtaining a legal divorce. This deduction will be redirected to the first wifes account following her formal request. The government is also looking to extend similar protective measures to women in the private sector. Previously, a ten percent salary cut was enforced for those who neglect their parents.
The proud Assamese from other States
While others can identify as Assamese speakers, Bengali-origin Muslims were the first
APL 2026: Dihingia, Maurya Guide Barpeta Braves To Seven-wicket Win And Top Spot
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Saurav Mousum Dihingia and Abhilash Maurya struck unbeaten half-centuries as Barpeta Braves defeated Barak Legends by seven wickets in the Assam Premier League at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. The victory took Barpeta to the top of the points table with 12 points and also made them the second team to qualify for the next stage of the competition. Put into bat, Barak Legends were restricted to 120/8 in their 20 overs. Abdul Ajij Kuraishi provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 50 off just 26 balls, including a four fours and four sixes. Bishal Saha contributed 20 off 27 balls, while Shraban Kumar Khound added 11. Barpeta's bowlers kept the scoring under control throughout the innings. Rajesh Prasad was the pick of the attack with 3/26, while Abhilash Maurya and Arun Sonar claimed two wickets apiece. Maurya was particularly economical, conceding just 14 runs from his four overs. In reply, Barpeta lost Hrishikesh Das and Pranjal Paul early before captain Denish Das was dismissed for a duck, leaving the Braves at 30/3 in the sixth over. However, Saurav Mousum Dihingia and Abhilash Maurya produced a superb recovery. Dihingia remained unbeaten on 56 off 51 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, while Maurya finished unbeaten on 41 off 38 deliveries, with three fours and two sixes. The pair's unbroken partnership carried Barpeta to 124/3 in 18.3 overs and secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory. The result marks another significant milestone for Barpeta Braves in the inaugural league. With 12 points from nine matches, they have moved to the top of the table and become the second team to seal qualification for the next stage. Brief scores: Barak Legends: 120/8 in 20 overs (Abdul Ajij Kuraishi 50*, Bishal Saha 20, Sibsankar Roy 12; Rajesh Prasad 3/26, Abhilash Maurya 2/14, Arun Sonar 2/14) Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Result: Barpeta Braves beat Barak Legends by 7 wickets Article Source: IANS
Assam plans to rebuild, flood loss mounts to Rs 450 cr after 26k families assessed
Have credible info, SI Nabajit was murdered by drug traffickers: CM
Declare floods in 3 dists as national disaster: Akhil to PM
Biplab Deb named BJP national general secy, Sambit Patra remains NE coordinator
Nagaland MP S Phangnon Konyak, Assams youth leader Mriganka natl secretaries
CM keeps faith in police protection after death threat
Homeless & threatened twice, flood-hit families of Sivasagar risk lives on rly tracks this time
Assam records 95.4% completion in Census self-enumeration
Adopt people-centric approach to crime control: CM to cops
5 Army men still missing in Arunachal flash floods as 150-plus rescuers battle treacherous terrain
Assam proposes 1-3km ESZ around Kaziranga, Cong opposes move
Mega poultry farm planned in Mizorams Serchhip district to boost egg production
Meghalaya bets on sustainable tourism with over Rs 5cr homestay
CM trying to shape Gen Z opinion: MNF slams Lalduhoma over ILP, peace accord remarks
Chakma bodies mark Black Day over CHTs Partition-era allocation
Over Rs 12 crore heroin seized in Mizoram
Blind students aim for empowerment, seek educational infrastructure to support dreams
48-hour Manipur bandh called; women vendors, students join NRC-before-Census protests
2 minors among 5 Meghalaya pilgrims die in Tarapith hotel fire
Inauguration of Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Majuli Brings Affordable Medicines to Locals
Guwahati, August 17: A Jan Aushadhi Kendra was inaugurated at the district hospital premises in Majuli, Assam, under the Prime Ministers Jan Aushadhi scheme. The opening of this center has brought smiles to the faces of local residents and those from surrounding areas. They can now access high-quality, life-saving medicines at affordable prices. The people ... Read more Inauguration of Jan Aushadhi Kendra in Majuli Brings Affordable Medicines to Locals
Assam releases Rs 47.93 crore flood relief to 31,951 families; total aid reaches Rs 146.26 crore
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma released Rs. 47.93 crore in interim flood assistance through DBT to 31,951 families across Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. With the latest disbursement, the state has provided Rs. 146.26 crore to 96,842 flood-affected families, while damage assessment and verification continue across the four districts.
Resonia launches Assam's first dedicated helpline for farmers
Resonia Ltd has launched Assams first dedicated farmer helpline for communities along the NERES XXV transmission project corridor. Launched by Chirang District Commissioner Gokul Chandra Brahma, the multilingual helpline will operate in Assamese, Bodo and Hindi, allowing farmers across corridor villages to seek information, raise grievances and resolve project-related queries.
Himanta defends move to limit eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga to 1 km
Guwahati, Aug 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday defended his governments move to approach the Centre for notifying a one-km radius around the Kaziranga National Park as an eco-sensitive zone. He maintained that the government was well within the Supreme Courts directives in this regard and said that notifying up to a [] The post Himanta defends move to limit eco-sensitive zone around Kaziranga to 1 km first appeared on Highland Post .
3 Ex-Chief Ministers, 18 MPs, 10 Women: BJP's Power-Packed Team For 2029
A special focus has been placed on the northeast. Three leaders from the area - one each from Tripura, Assam and Nagaland -- have found space in the team.
Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 17: In a heartfelt humanitarian initiative,Oasis Group has extended support to families severely affected by the devastating floods in Assam by providing essential day-to-day utilities sufficient to support more than 100 families for an entire month.
Not Dimagi Naxal, but Pure Naxal: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma hits out at Chidambaram
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, demanding an inquiry into his tenure over alleged inaction against Naxalism. Sarmas remarks followed Chidambarams social media post declaring himself proud to be a dimaagi Naxal, a term Prime Minister Narendra Modi... The post Not Dimagi Naxal, But Pure Naxal: Assam CM Hits Back At Chidambaram, Seeks Probe Into Naxalism During His Tenure first appeared on Northeast Today .
Kaafi Real: For Assam, Floods Mean Losing Everything
The floods affected over 1.22 lakh people across multiple districts, with the total death toll reaching 104.
Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi Urges PM Modi For
Guwahati, Aug 17: Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the devastating floods in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts as a national disaster. In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Raijor Dal legislator from Sivasagar outlined a 22-point charter of demands aimed at ensuring immediate recovery, resettlement, and... The post Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi Urges PM Modi For 10 Lakh Aid To Flood Victims first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Staff May Face 20% Pay Cut For 2nd Marriage Without Divorce
Assam will deduct 20% salary of employees abandoning first wives without divorce and marrying again.
Assam Floods Damage Over 26,000 Houses; Relief Payments Underway
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma releases Rs 15,000 each to nearly 97,000 affected families
Nearly 97,000 Flood-Hit Families Get Rs 15,000 Each In Assam
The Chief Minister said the list of beneficiaries was still being prepared and around 3,000 more families could be covered in the next phase.
Once plagued by elephant raids, this Assam village now grows grass and fruits for wild herds
Assam Cop, On Duty, Dies After Car Hits Him, Police Probe Drug Movement Link
Assam police investigate possible drug link in Sub-Inspector Nabajit Das death.
Assam flood damage estimated at 480 cr, 26,681 houses affected: CM Himanta
He said 96,842 families affected by the latest wave of floods in the state have received Rs 15,000 each, and the government will expedite PMAY house construction in hit districts
Assam flood damage estimated at Rs 480 crore, 26,681 houses affected: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
GUWHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said floods last month caused damage worth Rs 480 crore and affected 26,681 houses.He said 96,842 families affected by the latest wave of floods in the state have received Rs 15,000 each, and the government will expedite PMAY house construction in hit districts. Addressing a press []
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Reviews Flood Relief, Says
Guwahati, Aug 17: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday reviewed the ongoing relief and restoration work in flood-hit districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat. During the meeting, he directed officials to accelerate rehabilitation measures and ensure that every affected family receives timely assistance. The review covered damage assessments, interim relief distribution, restoration... The post Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Reviews Flood Relief, Says 150 Crore Interim Aid Disbursed first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam Flood Situation Improves, Affected Population Drops To 51,000
The flood situation in Assam showed further improvement on Sunday as the number of affected people dropped to 51,000 across five districts, according to an official bulletin. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirmed that no new fatalities were reported in the past 24 hours, offering some relief to communities that have endured weeks... The post Assam Flood Situation Improves, Affected Population Drops To 51,000 first appeared on Northeast Today .
Why is Kazirangas Eco-Sensitive Zone in focus? | Explained
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmas indication that the width of the buffer zone around the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve may be fixed ataminimum of 1 km instead of the default 10 km has stoked controversy
Kaziranga, Development and Dissent: When Does a Protest Become a Threat?
The controversy over a proposed luxury resort near Kaziranga is no longer only about a tourism project. It has become a larger test of how Assam pursues development, how disputes over land are handled
Assams Floods in a Warming World
Floods in Assam are no longer explained simply by the arrival of the monsoon. Flooding has always been part of life in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, but a changing climate, shifting river behavio
Journalist Pranay Bordoloi Summits Mount Kilimanjaro on Independence Day
Assam journalist Pranay Bordoloi marked Indias Independence Day with a remarkable achievement, successfully climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africas highest peak, and unfurling a traditional
Formal child adoption remains low in J&K; CARA records 42 cases in 2025-26
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 42 children adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) during 2025-26, a figure substantially lower than adoption numbers reported by several major States, according to data presented by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in the Rajya Sabha. The State/UT-wise data, furnished in response to a parliamentary question answered on August 12, shows that Maharashtra recorded the highest number of CARA-facilitated adoptions during the financial year, with 792 cases. Gujarat followed with 547, while Tamil Nadu recorded 501 adoptions. Karnataka accounted for 377 cases, followed by Odisha with 308 and Telangana with 307. Jammu and Kashmirs 42 adoptions were also lower than the figures reported by several northern and neighbouring States. Rajasthan recorded 172 adoptions, while Punjab reported 49, only seven more than J&K. Uttar Pradesh registered 231 cases, Haryana 68, Uttarakhand 30, Himachal Pradesh 14 and Delhi 109. Among other States, Assam recorded 186 adoptions, Kerala 170, Andhra Pradesh 140, Bihar 125 and Chhattisgarh 114. West Bengal reported 237 cases, Madhya Pradesh 221 and Jharkhand 60. The data also showed considerable variation among the northeastern States. Meghalaya and Nagaland reported 13 adoptions each, Mizoram 78, Tripura seven, Arunachal Pradesh five and Manipur four. Sikkim recorded 28 cases. Smaller Union Territories and States also reported relatively modest numbers. Goa recorded 25 adoptions, Chandigarh 18, Puducherry 15 and Andaman and Nicobar Islands 11. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu reported five cases. No adoption through CARA was recorded in Ladakh or Lakshadweep during 2025-26. Across the 36 States and Union Territories listed in the annexure, the reported number of CARA-facilitated adoptions stood at 5,022 during the financial year. J&Ks 42 cases therefore accounted for less than one per cent of the reported national total. The Ministry, however, has clarified that adoption figures should be viewed in the context of the availability of children who have been declared legally free for adoption. The waiting period for prospective adoptive parents depends not only on the number of applicants but also on the availability of legally free children and the age group preferred by prospective parents. The government is seeking to strengthen the adoption infrastructure through Mission Vatsalya. States and UTs have been advised to establish at least one Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) in every district under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations, 2022. As of July 29, 2026, 795 SAAs had been approved across the country under Mission Vatsalya. These agencies support the formal adoption process and provide residential care to adoptable children below six years of age. The adoption system has also been substantially digitised. All SAAs are required to operate through the integrated CARINGS-Mission Vatsalya platform, which facilitates digital processing of cases from referral and matching to documentation. The system also allows authorities to monitor compliance through real-time dashboards at the Central and State levels. The Ministry said District Magistrates have been empowered to issue adoption orders under the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations. Prescribed timelines have been laid down for different stakeholders, while CARA undertakes regular monitoring and follow-up with States and UT administrations to reduce delays. The Centre is also using Mission Vatsalya for awareness campaigns promoting legal adoption and foster care. Nationwide and local outreach programmes, workshops, seminars and orientation sessions are being conducted, while CARA uses print, electronic and social media platforms to spread information on legal adoption procedures.
Assam flood: Rs 150 crore interim relief disbursed, says CM Sarma
Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that nearly Rs 150 crore has been disbursed as interim relief to flood-affected people in the state, while directing officials to expedite the remaining compensation claims and restoration work. In a post on Sunday on social media platform X, Sarma added that the []
Assam eyes 10,000 MW electricity generation, 30K jobs: CM Sarma
Guwahati, Aug 17 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that investments worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore are being lined up in the states power sector, with projects expected to generate more than 10,000 MW of electricity and create more than 30,000 jobs. Sarma said on Sunday that the state government []
Nine cadres of banned insurgent outfits arrested in joint operations in Manipur
Imphal, Aug 17 (IANS) In a series of joint intelligence-based operations conducted across Thoubal, Kakching and Churachandpur districts of Manipur, the Assam Rifles, along with the Manipur Police and state Commandos, successfully thwarted anti-national activities, officials said here. A Defence Spokesman said on Sunday that, demonstrating seamless synergy, joint teams of security forces comprising six []
Floods shatter lives, but spirit endures as Nepali Khuti villagers keep the Tiranga waving high
Akhil demands Rs 10L aid each flood-hit family
Bridge over Simang river proposed to boost connectivity in Arunachals Siang
Chakmas call for Chittagong Hill Tracts inclusion in India
Expert team carries out containment drive as foot-and-mount disease outbreak hit Arunachal
Tripura doc, interning in Kol, seeks protection for parents after attack on home
Newborn found hanging from tree rescued in Maligaon
Assam IGP bags Presidents Medal, brings pride to childhood hometown Dhubri
Guwahati hill slopes under watch as landslides hit Kharguli, Chandmari after heavy rain
Paddy seedlings distributed in flood-hit areas of Sivasagar
APL: Denish Das, Saurav Dihingia Guide Barpeta Braves To 14-run VJD Win Over Nagaon Rangers
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Captain Denish Das and Saurav Mousum Dihingia produced a composed batting effort before rain brought a premature end to the contest as Barpeta Braves defeated Nagaon Rangers by 14 runs via the VJD Method in the Assam Premier League at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. The result also confirmed that Nagaon Rangers, Tezpur Titans and Jorhat Stallions are out of contention for the next stage of the competition. Asked to bat first, Nagaon Rangers posted 133/6 in their 20 overs, with Jitu Ali leading the way with an unbeaten 76 off 48 balls. He struck seven fours and three sixes in a fluent innings that kept Nagaon competitive. Dhruv Raaj Borah added 20 off 19 balls, while SK Jnyanam contributed 12. Barpeta Braves' bowlers kept the scoring under control despite Jitu's late charge. Bikiran Das was the pick of the attack with 2/18 from his four overs. In reply, Barpeta lost Hrishikesh Das for 21 in the sixth over, but Saurav Mousum Dihingia and Denish Das ensured there was no further damage. The pair put together an unbeaten partnership to keep the Braves comfortably ahead of the required rate. Dihingia remained unbeaten on 40 off 46 balls, hitting four boundaries, while captain Denish Das once again led from the front with an unbeaten 46 off 32 deliveries. His innings included three fours and a six and came at a strike rate of 143.75. In reply, Barpeta lost Hrishikesh Das for 21 in the sixth over, but Saurav Mousum Dihingia and Denish Das ensured there was no further damage. The pair put together an unbeaten partnership to keep the Braves comfortably ahead of the required rate. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The victory keeps Barpeta Braves firmly in the race for the top spots, while Nagaon Rangers' defeat brings their campaign to an end. Along with Nagaon, Tezpur Titans and Jorhat Stallions have also been eliminated from contention. Article Source: IANS
School student killed as auto-rickshaw collides with car in Karbi Anglong, 2 others injured
Visitors throng Meghalaya Lok Bhavan for I-Day event
57-year-old held for alleged rape attempt on Class 10 student in Sribhumi
Brothers stab man to death over property dispute
Five Army personnel missing after flash flood hits Arunachal camp
One of Assams sharpest wildlife guard dogs retires
K9 Leon, a Belgian Malinois, assisted in anti-poaching operations across the Kaziranga National Park for almost eight years as a key member of biodiversity conservation group Aaranyaks K9 Sniffer Dog Squad
APL: Sidhartha Sankar Baruah's Blazing Cameo Seals Five-wicket Win As Dibrugarh Warriors Enter Semis
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Dibrugarh Warriors became the first semi-finalists of the Assam Premier League after completing a five-wicket victory over Jorhat Stallions at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday. Chasing 133, Dibrugarh reached 134/5 in 18.2 overs, with an unbeaten 24 off just nine balls from Sidhartha Sankar Baruah providing the perfect finish. After opting to field, Dibrugarh's bowlers kept Jorhat under pressure from the outset. Nihar Narah was dismissed for a duck before captain Swarupam Purkayastha briefly counter-attacked with 22 off 14 balls. Rajveer Singh then steadied the innings with 26 off 33 deliveries, but Dibrugarh continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals. Ranjan Bikash Das and Jitumoni Kalita led the bowling effort with three wickets apiece. Ranjan finished with 3/35, while captain Kalita was outstanding with 3/12 from his four overs. Sidhartha Sankar Baruah also chipped in with 2/13, as Jorhat were restricted to 132/8. In reply, Dibrugarh lost Parvej Musaraf early, but Diwiz Pathak and Rituraj Biswas put together a crucial partnership. Pathak scored 31 off 26 balls, while Rituraj anchored the chase with a well-made 38 off 37 deliveries. Ayush Agarwal contributed 12 before being dismissed, leaving Dibrugarh needing a further push to close out the chase. Ranjan Bikash Das and Jitumoni Kalita led the bowling effort with three wickets apiece. Ranjan finished with 3/35, while captain Kalita was outstanding with 3/12 from his four overs. Sidhartha Sankar Baruah also chipped in with 2/13, as Jorhat were restricted to 132/8. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The five-wicket win takes Dibrugarh Warriors to 12 points from eight matches and back to the summit of the league table confirming their top four spot. Barak Legends remain second with 11 points, while Guwahati Royals are third with 10 points. Article Source: IANS
IASST welcomes Prof. Mukherjee for 2nd term as director
City schools come alive with patriotic & cultural fervour
Assam man spots boy riding without helmet, gifts him one and makes a request
Assam man spots boy riding without helmet gifts him one and makes a request
NSCN-YA claims responsibility for armed attack on Assam Rifles post in Arunachal
Imphal: The NSCN/GPRN Yung Aung faction (NSCN-YA) has claimed responsibility for an armed attack on a 21 Assam Rifles post at Tikhak Taipi village, near Longvi, in Arunachal Pradeshs Changlang district. The attack took place in the early hours of August 14. According to a statement issued by the groups Ministry of Information and Publicity [] The post NSCN-YA claims responsibility for armed attack on Assam Rifles post in Arunachals Changlang appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Lovlina Borgohain: How defeats shaped an Assam boxing star
The News Mill
Assam Man Arrested For Threatening To Kill Himanta Biswa Sarma For Rs 1 Crore
Assam Police arrest a man for threatening Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media.
Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi begins hunger strike for Rs 10 lakh flood aid
The News Mill
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Dev Sai Meets Governor Ramen Deka, Donates
Raipur, August 16: On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai visited Lok Bhawan for a courtesy meeting with Governor Ramen Deka. During this meeting, the Chief Minister extended his Independence Day greetings, and the Governor reciprocated with wishes for the states prosperity and continuous development. At this event, ... Read more Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Dev Sai Meets Governor Ramen Deka, Donates 5 Crore for Assam Flood Relief
Benaulim Congress launches Assam flood relief collection drive
NT Reporter Margao The Benaulim BlockCongress on Saturday launched a drive to collect relief materials for people affected by floods in Assam, with the materials to becollected at its office from August 15 to 21. The drive was launched during a programme at the Benaulim Block Congress Office, where two young entrepreneurs, Lessley Pereira and []
UNSC Report, Red Fort Attack and a camouflaged Pakistani hand
CROSS ROADS According to a new report from the UN Security Council body monitoring counter-terrorism sanctions, the Red Fort terror attack in New Delhi in November 2025 has been carried out by Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The report also mentioned that AQIS continued to evolve from a fragmented group into a regional terrorist entity, and instead of forming large terrorist groups, the organisation adopted a strategy of expanding its network through small, separate cells. The UNSC specifically expressed concern about Bangladesh, saying that the AQIS may attempt to use the neighbouring country to establish new terrorist cells. Earlier in 2023, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267 ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council (UNSC) highlighting the mysterious advent of international terrorist organizations, noted in its 32nd report that Al-Qaeda was shaping its regional affiliate in the Indian subcontinent to spread its operations into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Bangladesh and Myanmar, and that terrorist organisations like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State (IS) and the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) were planning to expand their presence from Afghanistan and Pakistan into peripheral countries such as India. It added that there are still some 200 active members of Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the parent terrorist groups South Asia-focused affiliate, who may be plotting attacks in J&K, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The report also highlighted the grooming of an affiliate by AQIS for Kashmir operations. Additionally, it raised the alarm that while expanding their network at home in India, AQIS supporters were also encouraging recruits to join Jihadi groups outside India. That India has seen fewer attacks than other countries in the region in the past years, is majorly due to its improved counterterrorism capabilities since the 2008 Mumbai attack, and minorly, a good amount of sheer fortune. While Al Qaeda had first mentioned India as a target in 1996, when Osama bin Laden had made a reference to both J&K and Assam, for the following several years however the outfit did not succeed in achieving anything significant in these places. Barring stray and unconfirmed reports over the subsequent decades of inroads being made by Al Qaeda in J&K, not much tangible emerged to demonstrate that the outfit had broken the barrier to enter the Kashmiri psyche. Then, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) was founded in late 2014, when Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announced in a video message the creation of a new branch which vowed to raise the flag of Jihad, return to Islamic rule, and empower the Sharia of Allah across the Indian Subcontinent. The head of AQIS, Asim Umar, subsequently spent years disseminating recruitment videos in J&K, but these did not yield tangible results. An intelligence report, meanwhile, disclosed in July 2014 that the prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind, or the final battle in India , was being used by Al Qaeda in its efforts to attract recruits in J&K and social media platforms were the preferred route to get the message across. Whereas AQIS seeks to operate across the South Asian region, its leadership is based in Pakistan, and all of its major successful attacks till recently have been carried out either in Pakistan or Bangladesh. There is little information available vis--vis the exact relationship between AQIS and the Al-Qaeda core, although experts suggest that al-Zawahiris direct involvement at that time in choosing AQIS senior leadership implies of a relatively close connection between the two entities. It appears that AQIS has been competing for influence and resources with IS and other terrorist organisations in their contesting attempts of retaining a stronghold over South Asia. It is interesting to note that with the growing dominance of IS and AQIS, the demography of terrorist recruits appears to have altered significantly. Then in 2017, Al Qaeda announced the formation of a J&K-specific wing called the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH), and although this outfit never grew anywhere close enough to threaten the establishment of a Caliphate in J&K, it did nonetheless achieve some traction and planted the seeds of a divisive and even more violence-driven ideology in Jammu & Kashmir, as the recent Red Fort attack exhibits today that the new dangerous ideology that the AGH sought to introduce into J&K has the potential to linger on in times to come and usher in a new discourse that earlier has been alien to the culture and polity of the region. The jury is still out on the real impact that these groups have had on the existing terrorist structures in J&K. Three things are clear, though. Firstly, it will not replace the existing Pakistan-sponsored militancy in J&K and will not lead to the creation of a Caliphate. Secondly, without direct support from Pakistani intelligence agencies as well as safe havens within Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied J&K, any terrorist outfit in J&K will find it extremely difficult to survive. Al Qaeda has been known to have linkages in the past with some of the Kashmir-centric groups based in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied J&K, case in point would be David Headly and the Mumbai attacks in 2008, and as early as 2014, Syed Salahuddin, Supreme of the terrorist organization Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) had announced that he was willing to take the help of Al Qaeda, the Taliban or any other organization or country. Thirdly, these groups, despite not having succeeded in recruiting a large number of members in J&K, do pose a significant threat to the Indian government as the Red Fort attack has manifested. The successes of these groups, even if limited in scale, could possibly mean that these entities may well have reached some sort of hand-in-glove understanding for logistical support with the Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The ISI has mastered the art of creating new terrorist outfits which step into the shoes of other ISI-created terrorist groups operating in J&K once international pressure kicks in forcefully against the existing group. Thus, over the decades the prominence of JKLF was passed on to HM as the primary terrorist outfit fighting on behalf of the ISI in J&K after which it was taken over by the LeT once the heat against HM became unpalatable. Similarly, in recent years, especially after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the LeT was replaced by the JeM. The future of these groups in South Asia depends on an extensive number of factors, and all possible outcomes must be explored. As it is unlikely that any of these groups will be able to physically hold territory in any South Asian country, they will most likely rely on increasing online radicalisation and recruitment methods. Attention must also be paid to Madrassas, many of which are fronts of extremist groups and are notorious for preaching radical interpretations of Islam and sending students to battlefronts, and these groups could potentially find a new generation of recruits within these Madrassas that are run by people sympathetic to the cause of these terrorist groups. The Red Fort attack and other major attacks in recent years in South Asia serve as proof that these groups are using all possible means to survive and thrive, leaving in their wake major headlines, high body counts and a palpable menace. These groups have latched on to friends and designated foes to become credible actors and to dig their claws in deeply in South Asia. Their future will heavily be determined by the ability of both State and non-State actors which want to see them defeated, to align their agendas and effectively cooperate. Cutting recruitment, propaganda and financial lifelines seem a logical place to start. However, ensuring the efficiency of these approaches requires regional cooperation, at the very least, considering the cross-border nature of terrorism. Thus, like Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, South Asian countries should consider developing a model similar to the Trilateral Agreement, which is a prime example of international cooperation. Due to undeniable historical animosity between governments and their diverging agendas, the process of creating cooperation mechanisms regarding terrorism and transnational crime would certainly be impacted by politics in South Asia. A country like Pakistan, with a proven history of employing terrorism and supporting terrorist groups as State policy, remains the biggest stumbling block in this regard. The Indian security apparatus would do well to recognize that apart from the established terrorist organizations like LeT, HM and JeM, the mysterious advent of these international terrorist organizations and their infrastructure of Madrassas, online presence, propaganda techniques, funding networks and new-age recruitment policies need to be monitored closely to ensure that it is not able to capitalize in the years ahead upon the trend of growing radicalization amongst sections of the youth in J&K. The role of the ISI in strengthening such groups as part of a new strategy to keep violence alive in J&K in order to protect the pre-eminence of the Pakistani military establishment, especially, needs to be watched with a hawks eye and countered promptly and robustly. (The author is the Director of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and can be reached at: j.qureshi@efsas.org )
APL 2026: Malakar's Knock Seals Nail-biting Win For Bottom-placed Tezpur Titans
Assam Premier League: Tezpur Titans chased down a mammoth 201 in a thrilling run-fest, edging past Guwahati Royals by two wickets with just two balls to spare in match number 30 of the Assam Premier League (APL) 2026 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Dibash Hazarika's blazing knock laid the platform for the chase, before skipper Ayushman Malakar produced a late cameo to see Titans home in a dramatic finish. Earlier, Sanjay Kumar Singh's unbeaten 81 propelled Guwahati Royals to 200. Having won the toss and opting to field, Titans endured an early setback as Guwahati Royals lost Rohit Sen and skipper Rishav Das inside the powerplay but recovered through Sanjay Kumar Singh. Singh anchored the innings from one end, remaining unbeaten on 81 off 57 balls with four fours and six sixes. Nibir Deka struck a rapid 22 off 13 balls, while Gunjan Jyoti Deka contributed 41 off 27 before being run out. Nipan Deka then produced a sensational late cameo, smashing an unbeaten 43 off just 10 balls, including 35 runs off the final over of the innings, as Guwahati Royals piled up 200/4 in their 20 overs. Wasim Akram Haque and Danish Ahmed were the only bowlers to find success for Titans, picking up two and one wicket respectively. In response, Titans lost Wasim Akram Haque cheaply, but Dibash Hazarika and Nihar Deka steadied the chase with a stand for the second wicket. Hazarika played a superb knock of 73 off 42 balls with six fours and six sixes, while Nihar Deka chipped in with 25. Roshan Topno then struck 39 off 24 balls to keep the chase on track, but wickets continued to fall at the other end as Bastab Roy proved a constant threat, finishing with figures of 3/33. With the equation tightening in the closing overs, skipper Malakar took charge, striking a blistering 41 off just 18 balls with four sixes to keep Titans in the hunt. Wickets kept tumbling around him, including a double blow in the same over that saw both Malakar and Abhinav Choudhury depart, but Prachurya Kataki held his nerve at the death, remaining unbeaten on 7 off just 2 balls, to guide Tezpur Titans over the line. The visitors reached 203/8 in 19.4 overs to complete a thrilling two-wicket win in one of the highest-scoring contests of the season. Brief scores: Guwahati Royals 200/4 in 20 overs (Sanjay Kumar Singh 81*, Nipan Deka 43*, Gunjan Jyoti Deka 41; Wasim Akram Haque 2/39, Danish Ahmed 1/15). Brief scores: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Result: Tezpur Titans beat Guwahati Royals by 2 wickets. Article Source: IANS
APL 2026: Barak Legends Go Top After Rain Washes Out Clash With Charaideo Sunrisers
Assam Cricket Association Stadium: Barak Legends moved to the top of the points table in the Assam Premier League 2026 (APL) after their clash against Charaideo Sunrisers was abandoned due to rain at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium here on Saturday. Both teams received one point each after persistent rain prevented further play. Legends now have 11 points from eight matches, while Sunrisers are fifth with seven points from the same number of games. After being asked to bat first, Barak Legends posted 177/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with opener Bishal Saha continuing his impressive run of form. Saha remained unbeaten on 54 and registered his fourth half-century of the season. His latest fifty also helped him retain the Orange Cap. He shared an 81-run opening partnership with Shraban Khound, who scored 47 before falling just three runs short of his half-century. The two provided Legends with a strong platform before the Sunrisers struck back with regular wickets. The Legends middle order could not make a major impact, but Abdul Ajij provided the late impetus with an unbeaten 32 off just 12 balls to help his side finish on a competitive total. For Charaideo Sunrisers, Reshabh Dipak was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 22 runs. In response, Sunrisers made a positive start to their chase and reached 35/0 in 2.5 overs before rain brought play to a halt. Pradyun Saikia was in an aggressive mood at the top of the order, remaining unbeaten on 33 off just 13 deliveries. Captain Sumit Ghadigaonkar was unbeaten on two at the other end when the rain interruption occurred. In response, Sunrisers made a positive start to their chase and reached 35/0 in 2.5 overs before rain brought play to a halt. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The result means Legends have climbed to the summit with 11 points, while Sunrisers remain fifth on seven points. Article Source: IANS
Karnataka and Bihar Shine in Junior Womens Hockey National Championship
Pune, August 15: The 16th Hockey India Junior Womens National Championship 2026 showcased thrilling matches on Saturday in Pune, featuring teams from Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram, Assam, Gujarat, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. In Pool B, Hockey Karnataka achieved the days biggest victory, defeating Hockey Uttarakhand 6-1. Meanwhile, Hockey Bihar delivered a ... Read more Karnataka and Bihar Shine in Junior Womens Hockey National Championship
Mining Near Kaziranga: The Deihori River Questions That Wont Go Away
Excavators operating near a river channel, dump trucks beside large stockpiles of sand and gravel, and tractors and other heavy vehicles moving through the site recent images from the Deihori
When the National Flag was hoisted upside down in Assam
When the National Flag was hoisted upside down in Assam
Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram Shine in Jr Women's Hockey
On the fourth day of the 16th Hockey India Junior Women National Championship 2026, Karnataka, Bihar, and Mizoram secured significant victories. Karnataka defeated Uttarakhand 6-1, Bihar beat Goa 6-0, and Mizoram overcame Kerala 2-0. Other matches saw Assam, Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu also win, with Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir receiving forfeit victories.
12-Member Team Surveys Upper Assam Flood Losses, Plans Targeted Relief
A 12-member team of Maulanas from Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha has arrived in Upper Assam to assess the needs of families affected by the devastating floods in Sivasagar, Jorhat and Charaideo districts
Karnataka, Bihar, Mizoram register wins in Jr Women''s National Hockey Championship
Karnataka, Bihar, and Mizoram secured victories in their respective matches. Karnataka defeated Uttarakhand by a commanding 6-1 margin in their game. Bihar also achieved a comprehensive 6-0 win against Goa in another contest. Mizoram earned a 2-0 victory over Kerala in their pool encounter. Other teams like Assam and Gujarat also registered wins in their divisions.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma urges longtime settlers to list 'Assamese' as mother tongue in census
Assam's Chief Minister has called on long-term residents to officially declare Assamese as their primary language. He emphasized that residents in the Barak Valley and tribal communities can choose freely. The government's focus is on promoting and preserving indigenous languages for future development, alongside substantial investments in infrastructure and social welfare. Moreover, the government's commitment to combatting child marriage remains unwavering.
BJP Booth President Found Dead in Assam; Six Arrested
Guwahati, August 15: Tensions erupted in Assams Shribhoomi district after the body of a 52-year-old BJP booth president, missing for nearly two days, was discovered near the Assam-Tripura border. The deceased has been identified as Bikash Ranjan Dhar from Chagalmowa village. He left home on his motorcycle on August 12 and went missing. Concerned about ... Read more BJP Booth President Found Dead in Assam; Six Arrested
Assam To Launch 30-Day Drive Against Child Marriage From November 1: CM Himanta
Guwahati, Aug 15: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a 30-day statewide crackdown on child marriage beginning November 1, directing the Assam Police to intensify action against offenders and ensure justice. Speaking at the Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized the states progress in curbing child marriage and reaffirmed his governments commitment to... The post Assam To Launch 30-Day Drive Against Child Marriage From November 1: CM Himanta first appeared on Northeast Today .
Tripura Registers Phenomenal Progress in Eight Years, GSDP Doubles, Says CM Dr Manik Saha
Agartala, August 15, 2026: Tripura has made significant strides across various sectors over the past eight years, with the states Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) doubling within six years, Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha said on August 15. Addressing the state-level Independence Day celebrations at the Assam Rifles Ground in Agartala, Saha said his... The post Tripura Registers Phenomenal Progress in Eight Years, GSDP Doubles, Says CM Dr Manik Saha first appeared on Northeast Today .
Assam plans 1.5 lakh crore infrastructure investment over next five years: Himanta
Assam is preparing for an infrastructure-led expansion, with the government outlining major investments alongside measures aimed at improving governance and livelihoods.
