Before its opening, an Assam minister examines Chirang’s new district jail.

Assam Minister for Home (Prisons), Labour Welfare, and Adivasi Welfare, Rupesh Gowala, visited the newly constructed District Jail in Kajalgaon, Chirang, ahead of its official inauguration on June 21, 2025, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Built at a cost of Rs. 65 crore, the state-of-the-art facility has a capacity of 636 inmates, including a quarantine zone for 79 individuals, reflecting updated post-pandemic health and safety standards. Gowala reviewed the jail’s security measures, healthcare provisions, and rehabilitation amenities, underscoring Assam’s commitment to modern prison reforms that emphasize dignity and reformation.
Key features include hospital wards, sanitation blocks, a library, and educational programs designed to assist inmates in their reintegration into society. Senior officials, including Inspector General of Prisons Pubali Gohain and DIG Gautam Bora, accompanied the minister during the inspection.

Railway Minister and Assam CM Talk About Rail Expansion to Reduce Traffic Jams.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan to address transport bottlenecks and strengthen railway infrastructure across the state. The discussion focused on expanding railway connectivity, modernizing facilities, and optimizing operations to position Assam as a future logistics hub in Northeast India.
Vaishnaw assured Assam of continued infrastructure upgrades and cooperation to resolve logistical challenges that have hindered regional growth. Senior Assam officials attended the meeting, which was described as forward-looking. Sarma later shared an update on social media, highlighting the importance of expanding rail connectivity to support economic development in the state.

When the CM meets with the Union Coal Minister in Delhi, Assam advocates for mining expansion.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma met Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy in New Delhi, advocating for enhanced coal mining operations and mineral extraction in the state. The meeting focused on securing seamless coal linkages for upcoming thermal power plants and expanding operations at the Margherita coal mines in Upper Assam.
The Centre assured Assam of assessing its mineral and coal requirements, with discussions also covering recent policy reforms, including updates to the Shakti Policy to streamline coal allocation. India has recently surpassed 1 billion tonnes in coal production and dispatch for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone.

The ONGC Assam staff protest is on its ninth day with no resolution yet.

The ONGC Purbanchal Employees’ Association (OPEA) continues its sit-in protest at the ONGC Assam Asset headquarters in Nazira, Sivasagar district, now in its second week. The union remains steadfast on nine key demands, including the resumption of halted recruitment, restoration of overtime allowances, and regularisation of temporary staff.
OPEA General Secretary Sanjeeb Boruah has highlighted ONGC’s increasing reliance on outsourcing, claiming it deprives local youth of employment opportunities. Despite sanctioned posts in 2022, recruitment has remained stalled since 2023, fueling employee frustration.
The protest escalated from black badge demonstrations to a full-fledged sit-in starting May 21. The union has warned of intensifying agitation, including a hunger strike, if their demands remain unmet.
With no formal response from ONGC management, tensions persist, and employees continue their call for immediate action.

Assam CM promises improved flight connectivity to Silchar amid Air India’s suspension.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, after meeting Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu in New Delhi, confirmed that construction on the much-awaited greenfield airport in Silchar is expected to begin later this year. The meeting focused on strengthening regional aviation infrastructure, including expansion plans for Rupsi Airport and new flight routes connecting Jorhat, Dibrugarh, and Silchar to more cities. CM Sarma also stressed the importance of making the UDAN scheme more effective for inclusive air travel. The announcement comes amid concerns over Air India suspending operations in Silchar, prompting discussions on ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for the Northeast.”

Nine illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are apprehended by Assam police in Morigaon.

Nine Bangladeshi nationals, previously declared foreign nationals by the Foreigners Tribunal, were apprehended in Assam’s Morigaon district during a covert police operation. The arrests took place across multiple locations, including Morigaon, Mikirbheta, Dharamtul, Jagiroad, Mayong, and Lahorighat police station areas. Two of the detained individuals had challenged the Tribunal’s verdict in the Gauhati High Court, but their appeals were rejected. The arrested individuals are currently undergoing police interrogation.”

“India’s development growth has found a new epicentre in the northeast,” said Minister Jayant Chaudhary.

The death of Abidur Rahman in Nagaon’s Purani Gudam area has sparked outrage, with locals staging protests and demanding justice. His family suspects foul play, alleging that relatives of his girlfriend, Sania Begum, may have been involved due to opposition to their relationship. Tensions escalated as hundreds gathered at the local police outpost, bringing Abidur’s body and accusing authorities of inaction. Police intervened, assuring a thorough investigation into the case.

Puranigudam in Nagaon is tense as residents demonstrate against the death of a young person in custody in Assam.

The tragic death of Abidur Rahman in Nagaon’s Purani Gudam area has led to massive protests, with locals demanding justice and alleging foul play. The 24-year-old was found dead under suspicious circumstances, and his family suspects he was murdered due to opposition to his relationship with Sania Begum. Hundreds of protesters gathered at the local police outpost, bringing Abidur’s body and chanting slogans against police inaction. Authorities intervened to calm tensions, assuring a thorough investigation into the case.

Prasanta Chakraborty’s remarks regarding the origins of Assam University are denounced by ACKHSA.

The All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) has condemned a statement by Prasanta Chakraborty, General Secretary of Bangla Sahitya Sabha, Assam, claiming Assam University, Silchar was established due to the Assam Movement. ACKHSA dismissed the claim as false and misleading, asserting that the university was founded in 1994 after a long struggle by the people of Barak Valley. Chief Adviser Rupam Nandi Purkayastha warned of action if Chakraborty fails to issue an unconditional apology, emphasizing the need to preserve historical truth.

ASDMA orders the construction of safe shelters in landslide-prone areas in Assam.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has directed landslide-prone districts to identify and prepare safe shelters ahead of the monsoon season to protect vulnerable residents. The directive covers districts like Cachar, Dima Hasao, Kamrup Metro, and Sribhumi, which have seen casualties from landslides in recent years. ASDMA urges wide publicity of shelter locations and recommends that highly vulnerable residents voluntarily relocate to safer areas during the rainy season to minimize risks.