Assam gas leak rage: Demonstrators call for SK Petro’s owner to be arrested.

Protests erupted in Nazira as members of the Bir Lachit Sena, led by Shrinkhal Chaliha, gathered outside the ONGC Assam Asset office, demanding justice and accountability for an ongoing gas leak in Bhatiapar Barichuk, Sivasagar district. The crisis, which started on June 10, has affected nearly 3,000 people and forced 75 families to evacuate amid fears of a major environmental disaster. Despite ONGC’s assurances that the situation is “under control,” residents remain sceptical and are calling for compensation, long-term support, and action against those responsible for the persistent health and environmental risks.

Dolu Airport overcomes a significant obstacle as the calm conclusion of the public hearing in Assam .

Southern Assam reached a significant milestone as the public hearing for the proposed Greenfield Dolu Airport in Cachar district concluded peacefully, announced Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This crucial step brings Barak Valley closer to becoming a major hub for connectivity and development, with the airport set to boost regional air travel under the UDAN scheme and enhance economic opportunities for local communities. The project now advances toward final environmental clearance, marking a cornerstone in Assam’s strategy for balanced growth across its valleys.

Anti-national activity crackdown: Assam records 97 arrests

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the arrest of 97 individuals in the state for alleged anti-national and anti-Hindu activities following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives in April. The latest arrests include persons from Tinsukia and Nagaon districts, accused of sharing objectionable content targeting Hinduism and making derogatory remarks about Lord Ram. The crackdown intensified after the arrest of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam on sedition charges, who was later detained under the National Security Act. Assam authorities continue to strengthen security measures and counter divisive agendas within the state.

 In July, PM Modi is anticipated to inaugurate Mizoram’s first train connection to Aizawl.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the landmark Bairabi–Sairang railway line in July, bringing direct rail connectivity to Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, for the first time. This 51.38 km engineering marvel, featuring 48 tunnels and towering bridges, marks a transformative leap for the region—fulfilling long-held aspirations and boosting socio-economic growth in Northeast India. With the successful inspection and clearance for both passenger and freight services, Mizoram joins the select group of northeastern capitals now linked by the national rail network.

Mahishasan station is under siege by Sribhumi residents due to the stopped rail service to Silchar.

Hundreds of residents staged a “Rail Roko” protest at Mahishasan railway station near the Indo-Bangladesh border, demanding the resumption of regular train services to Silchar, which have been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic. Frustrated by years of inaction and rising travel costs, protesters criticized the government for prioritizing cross-border rail projects over local needs. The demonstration ended after officials promised to escalate the issue to senior railway authorities, but locals remain skeptical after four years without progress.

 Before being arrested, a mob in Dhaka assaults former Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda.

Bangladesh’s former Chief Election Commissioner, Nurul Huda, was assaulted by a mob at his Dhaka residence on Sunday and subsequently detained by police following a case filed by the BNP over alleged electoral irregularities during his tenure. Viral videos showed Huda being beaten with shoes before authorities intervened. This unprecedented arrest marks the first time a former CEC in Bangladesh has been detained over election-related issues. The interim government condemned the violence, urging citizens to uphold the rule of law and promising legal action against those involved in the attack.

The transgender community is granted “Socially and Educationally Backward Class” status by the Assam Cabinet.

In a landmark move, the Assam government has recognized transgender and third gender individuals as a Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC), following the Supreme Court’s 2014 NALSA verdict. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this decision extends education, employment, and social welfare benefits to native transgender residents of Assam, marking a significant step toward inclusion and mainstream integration for the community.

Notifying Urpad and Hasila Beels as Proposed Reserve Forests is approved by the Assam Cabinet.

The Assam Cabinet has approved the notification of Urpad Beel and Hasila Beel in Goalpara district as Proposed Reserve Forests to conserve these ecologically sensitive wetlands and maintain the region’s social and natural balance. The Cabinet also launched the ‘Shradhanjali’ scheme for dignified transportation of mortal remains of Assamese people who die while working or studying outside the state, and greenlit a major renewable energy project in West Karbi Anglong. Additionally, a new Development Council was announced to support the Rabha community living outside the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area.

 Silluk, the cleanest village in Arunachal, is recognised nationally in the NCERT textbook.

Silluk village, nestled in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, has achieved national recognition by being featured in the NCERT Class 3 Environmental Studies (EVS) textbook. Celebrated for its community-led cleanliness and innovative waste management, Silluk stands as a model of sustainable living and rural transformation. With multiple Chief Minister’s Awards for cleanliness and the impactful Swachh Silluk Abhiyan, this zero waste village inspires communities across India with its commitment to environmental protection and collective action.

In Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Police rescue trafficked young girls; one is detained. 

Arunachal Pradesh Police successfully rescued two minor girls, aged 15 and 17, who were trafficked to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after being lured by fake job offers on social media. The operation, led by Siang district police, led to the arrest of a suspect from Nagaland. Authorities have urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online interactions as investigations into a possible larger trafficking network continue.