Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that eleven additional miners are set to receive permits to commence scientific coal mining in the state. Currently, three miners have already begun operations following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Coal. The government aims to address environmental concerns while ensuring economic growth and safety. The new mining activities will primarily focus on East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills, with plans to expand operations soon.
In Guwahati, Dr. Subrata Dey, a physician at a private clinic, has been charged with molesting a young female patient under the guise of therapy and secretly recording her during consultations. The victim reported the abuse, leading to his arrest and investigation. In a separate case, Dr. Niladri Shekhar Das of Sribhumi District Civil Hospital is accused of human trafficking, allegedly facilitating the illegal sale of a newborn baby after convincing the mother to give birth instead of having an abortion. These cases have raised serious concerns about ethics and patient safety in the healthcare system.
The Chirang Police have successfully recovered a Rs 36 lakh consignment of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) products, which went missing during its transit from Kolkata to Guwahati. The stolen goods were found at the residence of Saumkhou Basumatari near the Indo-Bhutan border in Assam’s Chirang district. The investigation led to the arrest of Basumatari, along with two truck drivers, Rupchand Ali and Imamul Haque, whose interrogation helped trace the consignment.
This case highlights the growing trend of transit cargo theft and the swift police response in tackling organized loot targeting valuable shipments. The authorities are now working to identify the larger network behind this operation.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced the upcoming expansion of scientific coal mining in Meghalaya, with 10 to 11 additional sites expected to receive clearance soon. Three mines are already operational, following approval from Coal India and the Coal Ministry. While some transportation challenges remain, the shift toward regulated mining aims to enhance economic growth, ensure environmental safeguards, and align with sustainable development goals.
On Tuesday morning, near Gargo Motors in Tinsukia, Assam, two individuals lost their lives after a speeding dumper struck their motorcycle from behind. Both victims were killed on the spot due to the severe impact. Eyewitnesses reported that the dumper driver fled the scene immediately. Police have launched an investigation and are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the driver and trace the vehicle. Over-speeding is suspected as the primary cause of the accident.
The Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) has initiated a Rs 4.2 crore redevelopment project for Dighalipukhuri park, sparking concerns among local residents and the ‘Save Guwahati Build Guwahati’ forum over potential impacts on its open atmosphere. However, ATDC has clarified that instead of solid walls, the boundary will feature metal grills placed at intervals to maintain visibility and accessibility. The project aims to enhance infrastructure while promoting tourism in Guwahati.”
*”A devastating fire in Assam’s Sonitpur district led to the tragic death of lawyer Bikash Sharma while his sister narrowly escaped with injuries. The inferno completely engulfed their home in Tezpur late at night, leaving the community in mourning as authorities continue investigating the cause.
Meanwhile, another massive fire broke out at an electronics showroom in Jorhat’s Old Balibat area, resulting in losses estimated at Rs 50 lakh. The showroom housed high-value electronic goods, all destroyed in the blaze, though the family residing upstairs was safely evacuated.”
In an effort to address the ethnic conflict in Manipur, a peace conference hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on April 5 brought together representatives of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The MHA proposed a six-point resolution as a roadmap for peace, emphasizing appeals to civil society groups to discourage violence and promising future consultations on contentious issues. Both communities expressed their concerns, with Meitei leaders stressing the territorial integrity of Manipur, while Kuki representatives highlighted their community’s needs. This marks the first direct dialogue between the groups since violence erupted in May 2023, which has led to significant loss of life and displacement.
The Assam government has initiated a major administrative reshuffle, involving the transfer and reassignment of 20 IAS and ACS officers to new roles across the state. Notable appointments include Monuj Kumar Baruah as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Jorhat; Satish Chandra Thakuria as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Sivasagar; and Monuranjan Payeng as CEO of Zilla Parishad, Lakhimpur. The changes, which aim to boost administrative efficiency and enhance public service delivery, have been directed to take immediate effect.
“Khalil Uddin Barbhuiya, a farmer from Assam, allegedly killed his wife, Hassan Begum Barbhuiya, in a farm hut near Buhchangphai village on the Assam-Mizoram border. The tragic act, reportedly driven by vengeance after her elopement with another man, has sparked investigations. While Khalil remains on the run, authorities are actively searching for him and engaging with local communities to prevent communal tensions in the sensitive border region.”
Barak Bolchhe!
