Vote counting for the Assam Panchayat elections, held on May 2 and May 7, begins today (May 11). Conducted across 27 districts, the elections saw a total voter turnout of 74.71%. Security has been heightened at counting centers, with concerns over result manipulation raised by the Congress. Officials anticipate results by evening, though the process may extend due to the large volume of ballot papers.
Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Mayor Mrigen Sarania unveiled a series of reforms aimed at easing burdens on commuters and traders. Starting June 1, two-wheelers and three-wheelers will no longer incur parking fees in designated areas, while four-wheelers will continue to be charged.
In a major step to streamline business operations, the number of trade licence categories has been reduced from 7,000 to 120, allowing businesses to operate under a single licence. Revised renewal fees ensure fairness, and women vendors along with indigenous sellers in lessee markets are now exempt from paying any fees.
To curb misuse of business licences, strict enforcement measures have been introduced, reinforcing GMC’s commitment to inclusivity and economic efficiency.
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In a decisive operation, the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Guwahati recovered illegal firearms from a train passenger on May 8, reinforcing security efforts along railway routes. Acting on specific intelligence, officials searched Coach No. H1 of Train No. 15909 DN Avadh Assam Express, seizing two 7.65 mm pistols and 40 rounds of live ammunition. The accused, identified as Jamir Hussain of Sonitpur district, is currently under legal investigation.
Meanwhile, the GRP intercepted a suspected cannabis consignment at Guwahati railway station on April 30, recovering 65.5 kg of the substance and arresting four individuals linked to its transportation via Train No. 12423 DN New Delhi Rajdhani Express.
Assam Police seized 20,000 WY tablets worth Rs 5 crore at Guwahati Railway Station, leading to the arrest of a suspect. Acting on intelligence, a CGPD team from Panbazar PS intercepted the individual during a raid on the Coimbatore Express. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared details of the operation on X, highlighting the seizure of a mobile handset and Rs 1,000 in cash alongside the narcotics. Investigations into the source and intended distribution of the drugs are ongoing.
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.
Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea have jointly requested approval from the Chief Airport Officer of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati, to deploy a Common In-Building Solution (IBS) for seamless mobile connectivity. The proposal emphasizes that only licensed Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) with valid spectrum rights and Universal Access Service Licenses (UASL) can legally operate such infrastructure. The deployment will comply with the Telecommunication Act, 2023, and Right of Way (RoW) Rules, ensuring uninterrupted telecom coverage at this key Northeast transportation hub.
Assam University has initiated an internal inquiry against Assistant Professor Ajit Kumar Jena, following allegations of sexual harassment filed by students and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajiv Mohan Pant affirmed the university’s commitment to justice and indicated that termination of service remains a possibility, citing past precedents. Meanwhile, Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta confirmed that an investigation is underway, even as Jena filed a counter-FIR alleging caste-based harassment. The incident marks the second such case at the university in two months, raising concerns about the recurring nature of such complaints.
The annual floods in Assam’s Bihagaon Chapori continue to devastate lives, forcing residents into a relentless cycle of displacement and rebuilding. On July 2, 2024, Muklesa Parveen struggled to evacuate her one-room hut as floodwaters surged three feet, collapsing part of her home. With her husband 3,500 kilometers away for work, Parveen relied on neighbors for rescue. Like other villages along the Jia Bharali riverbanks, Bihagaon Chapori faces multiple floods each year, causing widespread crop destruction and migration. As one of India’s most flood-prone states, Assam’s chapori and char regions remain highly vulnerable to erosion and extreme weather, leaving residents with few local economic opportunities.
Villagers in Assam’s Masegaon Apprehend Alleged Cattle Thieves
Residents of Masegaon village in Assam caught and punished four alleged cattle thieves before handing them over to Margherita police on Sunday morning. The suspects—Bitu Gogoi, Ranjit Phukan, Bipul Barua, and Atul Dihingya—are from Margherita and Digboi. Police confirmed the recovery of stolen cattle and a four-wheeler. The incident reflects growing concerns over cattle theft in Margherita Subdivision, with Digboi being one of the worst-affected areas.
Paban Singh Ghatowar Calls for Revival of Assam Tea Industry
During the Bharatiya Cha Parishad’s annual conference in Dibrugarh, ACMS President Paban Singh Ghatowar urged a collective effort to revitalize Assam’s tea industry. Emphasizing quality, sustainability, and technological advancements, industry leaders, including former Tea Board Chairman Prabhat Bezbaruah and industrialist Manoj Jalan, highlighted strategies for global competitiveness. The event also marked a leadership transition, with Sarvesh Saharia succeeding Nalin Khemani as BCP Chairman. As the BCP celebrates its 80th anniversary, stakeholders emphasized modernization to secure the sector’s future.
Barak Bolchhe!
