To honour the Bengali language martyrs, a grand procession was staged at Sribhumi.

Sribhumi district in Assam witnessed a heartfelt tribute to the 11 martyrs of the 1961 Bengali Language Movement, with a grand procession organized by the socio-cultural group Barak Awaaz. The commemorative march, which began at Shambhu Sagar Park and concluded at AOC Point, drew participation from cultural organizations, students, and local residents. Blending cultural celebration with solemn remembrance, the event underscored the Barak Valley community’s enduring commitment to linguistic identity. A highlight of the day was the public felicitation of four senior citizens who had taken part in the historic 1961 movement, honoring their lifelong dedication to the cause of language rights.

Crowd gathers outside Sonai Police Outpost in Cachar, Assam amid political tension

Tension in Dholai’s Isharhar: GP Member Alleges Police Harassment, ZPC President Election Sparks Political Uproar

Tensions escalated in Sonai’s Inamura after a newly elected GP member alleged police harassment ahead of the crucial ZPC President election. Locals gathered at the Sonai Police Outpost demanding justice, while opposition leaders condemned the alleged misuse of police power for political gains. The incident has raised serious concerns over law enforcement neutrality during local elections.

Air India flight taking off, representing Silchar–Kolkata route under threat of suspension

Air India’s Silchar–Kolkata Flight Faces Suspension from June 1: Public Outcry and Political Pushback Mounts

The Silchar–Kolkata Air India flight, a crucial daily connection for Barak Valley residents, faces suspension from June 1, prompting strong reactions from public representatives and regular flyers. With no official statement yet from Air India, political leaders like Parimal Suklabaidya, Sushmita Dev, and Dr Rajdeep Roy have urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to intervene and prevent disruption in the region’s connectivity. Concerns over rising airfares, reduced accessibility, and regional isolation have further intensified calls for immediate resolution.

Assam: Barak Valley residents express concern over FCI DM Sandeepan Borthakur’s transfer

In a major administrative reshuffle, Sandeepan Borthakur, Divisional Manager of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Barak Valley, has been transferred after a tenure marked by sweeping reforms. Since 2023, Borthakur spearheaded initiatives to streamline the Public Distribution System (PDS), curb pilferage, and enhance transparency, significantly improving FCI’s credibility in the region.
His leadership fostered strong collaboration with the District Administration, ensuring fair paddy procurement for local farmers and reinforcing food security. His departure has triggered concern among residents and stakeholders who commend his transformative approach.
His successor, Narender Kumar, assumes charge, with expectations high for continued reform and efficiency within the system.

Beginning in June, Air India will no longer operate to Silchar Airport.

“Air India has announced the suspension of operations at Silchar Airport, with the final flight scheduled for May 31, 2025, marking the end of nearly 70 years of service. While no official reason has been provided, experts link the decision to operational shifts amid regional tensions and security concerns, including ‘Operation Sindoor’. Passengers with bookings beyond May 31 are advised to contact Air India for assistance. Local stakeholders worry about the impact on accessibility and economic development, as other airlines continue limited operations but may face increased demand.”

Twelve citizens of Bangladesh are being held in Tripura as border security is stepped up.

Over the past 24 hours, security forces in Tripura have apprehended 12 Bangladeshi nationals in two separate incidents, heightening border vigilance in light of escalating Indo-Pakistan tensions. The arrests took place in Agartala’s Lichubagan area and Sabroom subdivision, where authorities, assisted by alert locals, intercepted individuals attempting illegal entry.
Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired a high-level security meeting, reinforcing border surveillance and tightening scrutiny at transit points. Investigations are underway to determine potential connections to larger cross-border networks.

Before the results of the Panchayat election, the Cachar administration places limits on the locations of the vote counting centers.

To ensure a peaceful counting process for the Panchayat Election 2025, Cachar District Magistrate Mridul Yadav, IAS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Effective immediately, the directive restricts public gatherings and vehicular movement within a 100-meter radius of the designated counting centres in Silchar, starting May 11.
Strict access controls have been implemented, allowing entry only to individuals with valid election day identity passes. The order also bans unauthorized vehicles, temporary vendors, weapons, and disruptive celebrations, with violators facing penal action under Section 223 of the BNSS. Government officials on duty remain exempt. The administration urges public cooperation to uphold electoral integrity and ensure a disturbance-free vote counting process.

A drone was found in Sribhumi, close to the border between India and Bangladesh.

A drone was recovered near the India-Bangladesh border in Sribhumi, Assam, raising security concerns. Discovered on a residence’s roof, the drone was found just 400 meters from the border fence. Authorities identified it as a China-made toy drone without a memory card. While initial investigations suggest it may have crossed from Bangladesh, BSF officials dismissed the possibility, citing its low flying capacity and commercial availability. Security agencies continue to examine its origin and purpose.