Himanta Sarma flags beef consumption near temples on Eid, warns of strict action
The Chief Minister also referred to recent reports of cattle remains being found near places of worship, warning that such acts could inflame tensions."This is not just a law and order issue, but one that concerns social peace. We are committed to taking action against anyone trying to create discord through such provocations," Sarma said.He stressed that the state's priority was to ensure that all communities can observe their festivals peacefully without hurting the sentiments of others.Must Watch
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
SIT to complete probe into links between Pak nat'l & Indian associates by Sept 10: Himanta
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday set a firm deadline for the special investigation team (SIT) of Assam Police probing the alleged links between Pakistan national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh and his Indian associates. He said SIT has been directed to complete its investigation by Sept 10, with no extensions allowed. The CM said SIT will submit its report by Sept 12 followed by a cabinet meeting before Sept 15 to decide whether to escalate the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or the Union home ministry. Sarma stressed that the SIT's scope is limited to interactions within two years, while the NIA can dig back as far as 2010 or 2011, underscoring that the ultimate responsibility lies with the home ministry. Sarma didn't spare Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi from his verbal assault, condemning the MP's recent Lok Sabha speech questioning India's military strategy. "He asked why missiles were targeted from a distance and not up close. Instead of praising the Indian Air Force's modern technology, he questioned our armed forces. This shows he has no love for India," Sarma said. The chief minister did not hold back in his scathing attack on Gogoi and his wife, Elizabeth Colburn, accusing her of having 'good relations' with the Pakistan Army and alleging Gogoi's multiple visits to Pakistan in a personal capacity. Sarma claimed Colburn travelled between India and Pakistan 19 times, often escorted by Pakistan Army officials. "We have evidence that Gogoi crossed the Wagah-Attari border," he said. He further alleged that Gogoi's family holds foreign citizenships and predicted the MP himself would soon follow. "When three family members are foreign nationals, he is only temporarily Indian," Sarma said, accusing Gogoi of consistently speaking against India in Parliament. Mocking Gogoi's defense, who dismissed the allegations as a "C-grade Bollywood film" due on Sept 10, Sarma said the people of Assam are not fooled. He slammed Gogoi's speech in the Lok Sabha in the debate on Operation Sindoor and called it a disgrace that the state's MP is "a hero of Pakistan."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
No place for encroachers in Assam, state has zero tolerance policy: CM
1 2 Guwahati: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday delivered a powerful message of zero tolerance for illegal land encroachments as state govt cleared a staggering area of over 3,000 acres (~12 sq km) of encroached land in the ongoing eviction drive at Uriamghat in Golaghat district, bordering Nagaland. With this decisive action, Sarma said, Assam has now freed a colossal 45,950 acres (~182 sq km) from illegal occupants, reinforcing the administration's ironclad commitment to protect state land and uphold law and order. Sarma credited Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Police, and the CRPF for their unwavering support in maintaining neutrality and ensuring smooth execution in the sensitive Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border. "Their cooperation was crucial to our success," he said. Uriamghat is a sensitive forest belt. Rengma Reserve Forest, situated in Golaghat district, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and proximity to the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, a critical wildlife corridor. Over the years, the area has witnessed increasing illegal encroachments, primarily by non-indigenous settlers, resulting in deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and disruption of the ecological balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buying a Luxury Villa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Eviction drive in the area continued for the third day on Thursday. Addressing the contentious 'miyaland' (miya for Bangladesh-origin immigrant Muslims) demand from evicted settlers, Sarma was blunt and uncompromising. "If they want a homeland, let it be in Bangladesh — not Assam. Assam will never be a refuge for illegal settlers. We will assist them in relocating to Bangladesh, where there is ample land. If not there, then Afghanistan is an option. Assam is not for encroachers," Sarma said. Assam has been grappling with widespread illegal encroachments on its forest and govt lands for decades, leading to loss of biodiversity, environmental degradation, and demographic imbalance. To restore ecological balance and protect indigenous rights, state govt has launched an aggressive eviction campaign targeting illegal settlers. With these eviction drives, Assam's leadership has sent a resounding warning — illegal encroachment and demographic distortion will no longer be tolerated. The state stands firm in defending its land, people, and future with uncompromising resolve.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- NDTV
Himanta Sarma On Why NIA Should Probe Case Linked To Congress Leader's Wife
Guwahati: A day after Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at transferring an ongoing state inquiry - into 'links' between Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's wife and a Pakistan-based non-governmental organisation - to the anti-terror body National Investigation Agency, the Assam chief minister explained on Thursday why he feels a need for this. Stating that the Assam Police special investigation team (SIT) has been informed that its term will not be extended and it has to wrap up its probe into the case by September 10, Mr Sarma said, "The Assam SIT has a limited scope. We cannot access telephonic interactions beyond two years. But the National Investigation Agency (NIA) can trace conversations till 2010. The Assam SIT has done a good job, but ultimately, the case is related to citizenship. It is the Centre which has to finally take over the investigation." The chief minister had, earlier this year, ordered the registration of a case against a Pakistani national, who is believed to have links with Mr Gogoi's wife Elizabeth Colburn, for "trying to interfere in domestic matters" of the state and the country. Mr Sarma had also said that Ms Colburn will be probed over her alleged links with Pakistan and its intelligence agency ISI. Besides, he has said, she will also be investigated over her alleged participation in the Lok Sabha election campaigns despite being a "British citizen". The Assam SIT had taken over the case and questioned several people. "We will refer the case to the Centre, but not now. We have given a deadline of September 10 to the SIT to wrap up its probe. It will submit a report and I will table that report before the cabinet, which can recommend the case's transfer to NIA," he added. Mr Gogoi has denied the allegations.
