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Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
As top ULFA(I) leader joins BJP, what it means for peace talks in Assam
Manoj Rabha — alias Drishti Rajkhowa — who joined the BJP earlier this week was the second-in-command of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) before he surrendered in 2020. Rabha was inducted into the BJP along with a set of other leaders, including the Aam Aadmi Party's former Assam state-in-charge Manoj Dhanowar. Speaking about Rabha's entry into the BJP, Assam BJP chief Dilip Saikia said he has 'assimilated into our mainstream society for quite a while now'. 'He has left guns and bullets and entered the politics of ballots. What we have been saying for a very long time is 'Bye bye to bullet and welcome to ballot'… We, along with the central government, are always telling Paresh Baruah [ULFA(I)'s commander-in-chief] that bullets and talks cannot go together. The Constitution does not permit it. There can be talks… That is what we want, but Assam has to be peaceful,' he said. One of the BJP's biggest talking points in Assam is the numerous peace pacts its governments have signed with various insurgent groups in the state, but ULFA(I) under Baruah's leadership is the only one that has repeatedly refused to enter peace talks. A pro-talks faction of the ULFA had signed a tripartite peace pact with the Union and state government in December 2023, but the ULFA(I) has resisted coming to the table for talks without discussing sovereignty for Assam. Rabha, 55, is from Western Assam's Goalpara district. He was known to be a close confidant of Baruah and was the deputy commander-in-chief of ULFA (I). His surrender in November 2020 had been hailed by the central government as 'a major blow' to the outfit that was 'ushering a new dawn of peace in the region'. He had been an active member of the outfit for three decades, was a well-known Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert, and headed the outfit's operations in Western Assam. His parents — Dhaneswar Rabha and Sushila Rabha — had been killed in 1999 in the infamous 'secret killings' of Assam. These were extra-judicial killings of close relatives of numerous ULFA leaders by unidentified killers between 1998 and 2001. Rabha's formal induction into the BJP comes amidst criticism over the government's handling of the ULFA(I). It took place days after the ULFA(I) claimed that its camps in Myanmar along the border in India had been bombed in a 'drone attack' by Indian forces in which three of its senior functionaries had been killed. While the Indian Army has denied information on such an operation and the Assam state government has distanced itself from it, the alleged operation has drawn criticism from both civil society groups and opposition parties in Assam as being detrimental to the cause of facilitating talks with the ULFA (I). 'Sudden and unprovoked attacks of this nature could disrupt the peace process, which neither the people of Assam nor AASU desires,' the All Assam Students' Union had said in a statement. Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Asom Jatiya Parishad have also questioned the implications of the incident on future peace talks. Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi claimed that 'precision strikes' could not have taken place without the knowledge of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Sarma. He asked: 'What is the reason that the approach of dialogue and peace has been abandoned in favour of killing youths from Assam in precision attacks?'
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong slams Himanta, Assam govt over tribal evictions, corporate bias
Guwahati: Senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora criticised chief minister and his govt, accusing them of unjust shooting and dispossession of indigenous and tribal communities through eviction drives and favouring corporate interests. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Bora's sharp remarks come just months ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections and amid ongoing mass evictions across several districts of Assam. Addressing a press conference on Friday, Bora alleged that the BJP, which came to power on the promise of 'Jati-Mati-Bheti' (community, home and hearth), has instead displaced tribal communities and handed over land to corporate tycoons under the guise of clearing encroachments. "Their slogan has shifted from Jati-Mati-Bheti to the interests of Adani, Ambani, and Ramdev," he said. He recalled the 2017 Amchang eviction under former CM Sarbananda Sonowal, which left over 1,000 Mising, Bodo, and Karbi families homeless, and alleged police firing injured two women -- Bina Doley and Malati Das -- during a separate eviction drive in city's Panjabari area. "During the protest against AIIMS at Raha in 2017, Mintu Deori, a youth from Tiwa community, lost his life during a gun fire. Similarly, during the CAA protest, five men died," Bora added. Further, he alleged that thousands of bighas of land have been lost, and indigenous tribes have been displaced as a result of development projects like the satellite township in Palashbari, thermal power in Dhubri and Kokrajhar, solar power plants in Karbi Anglong and Nagaon, and more. "A 55-MW hydropower project is planned at Kulsi river in Ukiam on the Assam-Meghalaya border. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A 62-metre dam threatens 26 villages near Chandubi lake, inhabited by Rabha, Bodo, Garo, and Khasi people in south Kamrup, which would damage about thousands of lands comprising about 400 villages," he added. He also accused the govt of cutting funds meant for SC, ST, and OBC welfare — citing reductions of up to 10-20% — and delaying ST status for ethnic groups awaiting recognition since 2016. "Similarly numerous autonomous councils like the Raha, Mising, Sonowal Kachari and more have faced repeated fund cuts, or delays in disbursements, which were meant for their development," he further added.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Aamsu to protest in Delhi against evictions
Guwahati: All Assam Minorities Students' Union (Aamsu) will demonstrate in Delhi on Wednesday to protest against the eviction drives being carried out by the state govt, allegedly targeting people of a particular community. Rezaul Karim, president of Aamsu, said the union has always opposed the "inhuman eviction being carried out by the govt targeting people of a particular community." "Encroachment can be seen in many parts of the state by people of other communities as well. An eviction drive was conducted at Paikan Reserve Forest and 140 hectares of land was freed by evicting 1,080 families. At the same time, many families belonging to the Rabha community are also occupying the forest. Why no action on them?," he asked. Karim said no provisions for rehabilitation were made before they were evicted. "They (the evicted families) are landless people. They lost their land in erosion at some point in time. They were sitting on this govt land. The govt wants to clear the forest area, which is fine, but they should have been rehabilitated," he added. The eviction at Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara was carried out on Saturday. An eviction drive at Chapar in Dhubri district was carried out last week to evict over 800 families, allegedly occupying 3,500 bighas of land.
India.com
10-07-2025
- India.com
Tired Of City Chaos? These Dreamy Villages Near Guwahati Are Pure Magic
Guwahati stands as the entrance to Northeast India where people can discover its energetic traditions as well as its busy marketplaces and historic monuments. Tasks seeking peaceful rest can find relaxation in various beautiful villages which exist around Guwahati. These villages provide an excellent destination for people who love nature and history alongside those who desire peace amid forested landscapes combined with Assamese cultural heritage. The following is a list of essential villages around Guwahati that provide peaceful resort opportunities. Mayong finds its home around 40 kilometers outside Guwahati and it carries the nickname 'Land of Black Magic.' The village carries an ancient history containing stories based in mysticism alongside local folklore. The location held a central place in Indian Tantra teachings at its height as the spiritual center. The Mayong Central Museum allows visitors to view important ancient texts and black magic artifacts as well as spellcasting equipment of practitioners. Mayong presents visitors with an excellent destination to experience tranquility because it combines magical forested landscapes and Brahmaputra River scenery. Chandubi exists at the base of the Garo Hills facing 64 kilometers from Guwahati. The unusual village warrants recognition because the Chandubi Lake originated following the earthquake that occurred in 1897. Chandubi Lake perfectly mirrors both hillsides and forests which results in a remarkable panoramic vista. Travelers can experience both lake boating activities alongside peaceful walks in the surrounding tea garden areas. The area becomes more enchanting when winter arrives because it attracts numerous migratory birds to its territory. Tourists who choose to stay at Chandubi can discover the friendly character of the Rabha natives through their homestay facilities. The eastern region of India considers Sualkuchi its 'Manchester' since it sits 35 kilometers from Guwahati. All production within Sualkuchi revolves around handloom weaving which specializes in silk fabrication. Muga Eri along with Pat silk can be found in this region where skilled artisans create intricate patterns of Assamese artistic design. Tourists can experience the skilled weaving operations by visiting the textile facilities while they purchase original silk items directly from local artists. Tourists answering both the relaxed beauty and historical value of Sualkuchi need to make this destination part of their travel itinerary. The religiously important small village of Hajo exists around 24 kilometers from Guwahati. The site brings together Hinduism and Buddhism along with Islam to welcome visitors from throughout India. The main religious sites in Hajo consist of the Hayagriva Madhava Temple that plays an essential role for Vaishnavites and the Poa Mecca Mosque which holds a fourth-level holiness like Mecca alongside the Kedareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This spiritual atmosphere meets its natural charm by the Brahmaputra River to create a perfect space where visitors can relax while they reflect. Sonapur exists approximately 30 kilometers outside of Guwahati while offering its residents mountainous scenery and abundant greenery. Sonapur functions as the starting point for hikers who want to climb summits Rani Hill and Nilachal Hill. Birdwatchers will discover delightful experiences in Sonapur because the village offers numerous bird species. Several rivers and streams within the village territory provide excellent areas for outdoor leisure activities which include fishing and camping near these scenic locations. Sonapur exists near Guwahati while providing inhabitants distance from the city with its tranquil setting. Why Choose These Villages? Tourists find different charms in each village as Mayong presents its mystical character and Sualkuchi showcases its textile heritage together with Hajo demonstrating spiritual harmony. The villages give urban escape without sacrificing the chance to encounter Assam's cultural diversity and breathtaking natural attractions. These tourist locations provide environmentally conscious travel solutions to let visitors actively participate in local community activities while improving the local economies. Tips for Visiting The best time to visit is during dry months because monsoon season creates impediments to accessing specific locations. You should follow the customs and traditions of the local people when visiting sacred places and places with historical or cultural importance. You should choose accommodations as well as homestays that prioritize sustainability because they reduce environmental impact. Pack sunscreen together with insect repellent and bring clothing which fits activities outside. Final Thoughts These Guwahati neighboring villages present visitors with a wonderful combination of ancient heritage alongside cultural and spiritual exploring destinations and attractive natural landscapes. The locations ensure extraordinary experiences for those who want adventure or relaxation or wish to delve into the heritage of Assam. You should start packing your things right now to look for the beautiful secluded places around Guwahati which represent perfect retreat zones for anyone desiring peace.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Joint Assam-Meghalaya hydropower project opposed
Members of 19 organisations hit the streets in a southwestern Assam town on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) to oppose a 55-megawatt hydropower project planned jointly by the governments of Assam and Meghalaya on the Kulsi River, a natural habitat of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin. The protest rally culminated in these organisations submitting a memorandum each to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma via the Circle Officer of Kamrup district's Chhaygaon, about 40 km from Guwahati. The organisations include the local units of the All Rabha Students' Union, Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, Garo National Council, Khasi Students' Union, All Assam Koch Rajbanshi Students' Union, All Assam Bengali Youth Students' Federation, All Assam Gorkha Students' Union, All Assam Tribal Sangha, and Christian Forum. The two Chief Ministers announced the plan for the 55-MW hydropower and irrigation project after a meeting on June 2 to resolve the remaining six of 12 disputed sectors along their 885-km interstate border. The other six areas of difference were resolved through an agreement in March 2022. The Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, flows down from the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The organisations said in the memorandum that a protest meeting was convened at Ukiam, near the site of the proposed hydropower project, on June 9. They said that people in Assam and Meghalaya to be affected by the project, agreed that the dam plan was 'unreasonable' and would kill the lifeline of the cultivators and fishermen in the area, apart from harming the environment irreparably. The organisations said the natural vegetation and crops are dependent on the Kulsi River, whose water level falls significantly during the dry season. 'If the proposed 55 MW Kulsi Hydropower Project is installed at Ukiam, it will affect the southern Kamrup district areas from Ukiam to Nagarbera,' they said, adding that release of excess water from the dam during the monsoon would also create havoc in these areas. The organisations stated that the dam-controlled ebb and flow of the river would impact at least 12 wetlands in the area, including Chandubi, which is known as the fifth-largest tectonic lake in the world. Chandubi, they pointed out, would be 3 km from the site of the proposed 62-metre-high dam. The organisations listed 16 villages in Assam's Kamrup district and three in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district, which would be affected by the proposed dam. Apart from Ukiam, a revenue village, all the others are forest villages inhabited by generations of Garo, Khasi, and Rabha tribal people. 'Although they have applied for title certificates under the Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act of 2006, they will not be eligible for compensation if shifted by the authorities to facilitate the project for the lack of land documents,' the organisations said. 'The Kulsi river is the natural habitat of the Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), locally known as sihu. Featuring in the IUCN's Red List, it is was declared the State Aquatic Animal in 2009 and the National Aquatic Animal in 2010. The proposed hydropower project will be destructive for the animal,' the organisations said. 'Therefore, we demand that the proposal for such a devastating project be reconsidered by the governments of Assam and Meghalaya and cancelled immediately,' the organisations said. Similar protests have led to the cancellation or relocation of other proposed power projects in Assam this year. While the Asian Development Bank cancelled a $435.25 million loan for a controversial solar power project in the Karbi Anglong district, the Assam government decided to relocate a thermal power project of the Adani Group from the Kokrajhar district.
