The Gauhati High Court demands that Assamese Foreigners Tribunal employees receive training.

The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to consider providing formal training to members and superintendents of Foreigners’ Tribunals after observing that records in a case were maintained in a “haphazard manner.” The court, while hearing a writ petition filed by Gobinda Saha—who was declared an “illegal foreigner” by a tribunal in Nagaon—found several lapses in record-keeping, including mislabeling and overlapping of exhibits. Highlighting that such inefficiencies hinder fair proceedings and accurate judgments, the court recommended systematic training for tribunal personnel and ordered that its directive be circulated to all Foreigners’ Tribunals across Assam. This move aims to address administrative challenges and ensure more effective and transparent functioning of the tribunals.

 Assam: Local groups call for Oil India Limited to be held accountable after a gas leak near Makum raises concerns.

A gas leak from an Oil India Limited (OIL) pipeline near Makum in Assam’s Tinsukia district has sparked serious concerns over public safety, as the leakage has reportedly continued for three days without containment. Residents have voiced alarm over the strong smell of gas and criticized the lack of immediate response from OIL authorities. Local organizations, including the Makum Regional Students’ Union, have condemned the company’s inaction and called for urgent intervention to stop the leak and prevent future incidents. As of now, authorities have not released an official statement on the cause or expected resolution of the leak.

Assam: ONGC considers regions over 500 meters safe and gets one step closer to capping the Sivasagar gas leak.

Efforts to contain the gas leak from an ONGC crude well at Bhatiapar in Sivasagar, which had triggered widespread panic and displacement, are entering their final stages. According to ONGC officials, complete control is expected shortly, with international experts working in tandem with ONGC’s Crisis Management Team (CMT) in round-the-clock operations.

 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.

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.

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.

 A Korean restaurant in the heart of Guwahati is accused of serving beef.

A customer at K-Food Antenna, a Korean outlet in Guwahati’s City Centre Mall, has alleged that the restaurant served beef without proper disclosure or valid food safety certification. The complainant, who struggled to understand the Korean menu, later discovered the dish contained beef and questioned the use of an unfamiliar “HAANC Approved” label instead of the required FSSAI certification. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted plans to file a consumer case and an FIR, raising broader concerns about regulatory oversight and consumer rights at food courts.

Five Tamil Nadu Residents Are Arrested in Guwahati for a Series of Robberies

In a major breakthrough, Basistha Police have apprehended five members of the notorious ‘TC Gang’—a group responsible for a spate of vehicle break-ins and thefts across Guwahati. The gang, known for smashing car windows and looting valuables, has left residents on edge. Arrested red-handed in Maligaon, the gang’s operations extend beyond Assam, hinting at a wider inter-state criminal network. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of their activities.