Latest news with #Hazarika
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bulldozers & cops reach Uriamghat as govt looks to clear reserve forest land
1 2 Guwahati: Assam's next major eviction operation slated in Uriamghat, situated along the Assam-Nagaland border, is poised to stir up the tranquillity of the region this week as bulldozers have begun entering the region. Authorities said vast forest expanses have been degraded by encroachers over the years, potentially breaching further into upper Assam districts. More than 80 to 90% of encroachers, a significant number of whom identify as 'Miya Muslims' (a term referring to migrant Muslims of Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin), have vacated their homes in Uriamghat's Rengma Reserve Forest, from where over 10,000 people will be evicted. Security was intensified in the region on Sunday, with numerous police and security personnel deployed and bulldozers placed in school fields. Only a handful of families remain, camping close to the occupied lands until the demolition of their houses is executed. Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan said the large-scale eviction could commence as early as Tuesday. "29th July, 2025 will be an important and historic day for Sarupathar," Phukan wrote on social media, thanking CM Sarma and highlighting the urgency of the situation. As opposition parties contemplate criticising the govt for the scale of the forthcoming operation, Assam information and public relations minister Pijush Hazarika on Sunday criticised opposition leaders, including Assam PCC president Gaurav Gogoi, alleging that they have supported encroachers and doubtful citizens. "They hobnob with encroachers and doubtful citizens. Our govt has acted against those people who have unjustly grabbed lands. Govt has not touched lands which have pattas (land deeds)," Hazarika said. He maintained that the decision on whether encroachers are Indian citizens or foreigners lies with the courts, but underlined that the govt would not tolerate encroachment of govt land. "Those who back the encroachers are not satisfied at doubtful citizens taking over lower and central Assam. People like Gaurav Gogoi will find peace only when upper Assam is also encroached upon," Hazarika said, adding that govt would not provide compensation or land to. According to govt data, out of the total 13,921 hectares of forest reserve at Rengma in Golaghat district, 10,958 hectares have been encroached. Families living there said they settlement in the area five decades ago from various central Assam districts and later from the Barak Valley region, with a few coming from Bihar.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam Police arrest 22 Ulfa-I, NSCN-KYA cadres in July: IGP
1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: In a crackdown on insurgent activities, Assam Police have arrested 22 cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang Yung Aung (NSCN-KYA) from various districts of the state in July, inspector general of police (IGP), northeast range, Satya Raj Hazarika said on Monday. Addressing a media briefing at Charaideo, Hazarika revealed that nine linkmen of the two militant outfits were also apprehended in Charaideo district in June. The operations were part of a sustained effort to curb subversive activities ahead of Independence Day. "We have arrested 22 cadres of the Ulfa-I and NSCN-KYA from various districts this month. Last month nine linkmen of the Ulfa-I and NSCN-KYA were nabbed from Charaideo district", Hazarika said. "Based on intelligence inputs regarding potential subversive activities by militant groups ahead of Independence Day, coordinated operations under the Unified Command — comprising Assam Police, Assam Rifles, and the Army — have been intensified, particularly in Upper Assam districts bordering Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Security forces are on high alert to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations, and we will not allow any disruptive activities," he said. The IGP said the arrests were a result of meticulous intelligence gathering and swift action by security personnel. "These arrests have significantly disrupted the operational capabilities of these groups in the region," he added. The arrests form part of a broader security sweep that began in June, when nine linkmen associated with Ulfa-I and NSCN-KYA were nabbed from Charaideo district alone. These linkmen typically serve as crucial intermediaries between militant groups and local communities, facilitating recruitment, logistics and intelligence gathering for underground organisations. Charaideo SSP Surjeet Singh Panesar, who was also present at the briefing, added that the crackdown would continue. "We are closely monitoring suspicious movements, especially in border areas. Our aim is to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents," Panesar said. The heightened security measures come amid reports of militant groups attempting to escalate violence in the run-up to Aug 15. Security forces have increased patrolling, set up checkpoints, and conducted raids in sensitive locations. With Independence Day approaching, Assam Police and allied forces remain on high alert, determined to thwart any attempts by insurgent groups to disrupt peace in the region.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
How an ambitious dairy project in Assam curdled into a scandal
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 21, 2025)It was in the cruel summer of 2021, amidst the second wave of Covid-19, that the bulldozers arrived in Gorukhuti. Encroached land, they called it. By the time the dust settled on this corner of Assam's Darrang district, hundreds of families—mostly Bangla-speaking Muslims of suspect citizenship—had lost their homes. On the cleared land was to be sown an ambitious promise: the Gorukhuti Bahumukhi Krishi Prakalpa (GBKP), a model project for indigenous farmers. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma painted a vision of agricultural renaissance rising from the ruins of displacement. Three years later, that vision has curdled into centrepiece of the project: Gir cows, famed for their milk production, would be imported from Gujarat to zip up Assam's dairy sector. At least that was the plan. Today, after Rs 17 crore spent, it has only yielded a trail of questions, controversies and disturbing animal mortality rates. NO HOLY COWS Here's how the milk boiled over. After a year, project control was ceded to an 11-member 'society' headed by Sootea MLA Padma Hazarika. Its roster boasted big BJP names like MP and state party chief Dilip Saikia, besides top bureaucrats. The procurement unfolded in three phases. Two were kosher: 98 cows, for Rs 82 lakh, in 2021; then 24 cows and a bullock, with World Bank funds, in January 2022. The third phase saw the April 2022, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was to deliver 300 Gir cows. In March 2023, state agriculture minister Atul Bora told the assembly all 300 were returned, the funds remaining unspent. But official records show he misled the House: 210 cows had indeed reached the site, with NDDB getting paid. Later, 154 cows were returned because of poor quality, while 56 remaining 90 took a different path. An RTI reply showed that, on Hazarika's advice, these were to be distributed among farmers by seven 'public representatives'—the list reads like a who's who of Assam politics. BJP honcho Saikia took two. Three MLAs accounted for 16: Bhuban Pegu (10), Utpal Borah (4), Diganta Kalita (2). The lion's share went to two individuals with no official position, and one private firm. Babul Nath and Neeraj Bora, said to be close to Hazarika, got 30 and 20 respectively. JMB Aqua Agro, a dairy firm owned by Julee D. Baruah, wife of minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, got 20. No public ads, no selection criteria to explain the the 90 prize cows were never distributed. They simply went into private hands. Hazarika first said the seven had 'bought' the cows, paying NDDB directly. But the paper trail belied that. Nath and Bora had paid NDDB directly. But it was GBKP that paid Rs 13.2 lakh for 20 'pregnant' cows taken by five beneficiaries, who had made payments at the deputy commissioner's office in Darrang. Saikia, instead of paying the full amount, offered himself a bite-sized discount of Rs 32,000. Scanty? Not so for the Opposition, which is whipping up good cream from the spilt to India Today Magazine- Ends
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attacked by Congress workers, alleges Assam minister; calls it 'assault on democracy'
NEW DELHI: Assam minister Pijush Hazarika on Monday alleged that chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was attacked by workers during an event, accusing the party of attempting to "sabotage democracy" in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Hazarika claimed that Congress-backed individuals targeted the chief minister with bottles. 'This is how Assam Congress tried to sabotage democracy in Assam. Today, their goons attacked the chief minister of Assam with bottles; tomorrow, these same goons will launch grenades?' he said. Calling the alleged attackers "cowards," Hazarika warned of strict consequences. 'These cowards will not be spared, both electorally and legally,' he said, specifically tagging Gaurav Gogoi. The alleged incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with the ruling condemning the attack and demanding action against those involved. There was no immediate response from the Congress on the minister's allegations.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Arunchal Pradesh to set up Bhupen Hazarika Museum to mark his birth centenary
The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced plans to set up a museum on Dr Bhupen Hazarika in Roing, the district headquarters of Lower Dibang Valley district, to showcase the legendary singer-composer's contributions and legacy in the region. Dr Bhupen Hazarika. A bilingual commemorative book capturing his life, works, and values—cultural pride, inclusivity, and communal harmony—will also be published to mark his birth centenary. The announcement was made following a coordination meeting chaired by deputy chief minister Chowna Mein at the civil Secretariat on Saturday. 'The celebration will be a tribute not just to his music, but also the values he championed—of unity, dignity, and harmony across communities,' Mein said. Officials said the museum in Roing will feature rare photographs, musical archives, handwritten lyrics, and audiovisual material from Hazarika's career, including his contributions to films, literature, and social activism. Born on September 8, 1926, in Sadiya (then part of undivided Assam), Bhupen Hazarika was a multifaceted cultural icon—lyricist, composer, poet, filmmaker, and politician. He earned his doctorate from Columbia University in 1952, where he was deeply influenced by American civil rights icon Paul Robeson. This inspired Hazarika's iconic Assamese song 'Bistirno Parore', based on Robeson's 'Ol' Man River'. Hazarika's ties with Arunachal Pradesh are also significant. He composed the Hindi anthem 'Arunachal Hamara', and directed the state's first colour Hindi feature film, Mera Dharam Meri Maa (1976), marking a historic cultural milestone. Over the decades, he composed for Assamese, Bengali, and Hindi films, including Chameli Memsaab, Rudaali, and Daman, often using his art to address issues of social justice and unity. Hazarika was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1992, India's highest honour in cinema. He was also awarded the Padma Shri (1977), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (posthumously in 2012), and Bharat Ratna (2019)—the country's highest civilian award. In 1979, the Arunachal Pradesh government honoured him with a Gold Medal for his contributions to the state's cultural integration. He was also the first recipient of the Asom Ratna in 2009. The birth centenary celebrations, which began in 2023, will culminate on September 8, 2026, with programmes planned across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. These include academic seminars, concerts, exhibitions, and the release of a peer-reviewed biography in multiple Indian languages. Hazarika passed away on November 5, 2011, in Mumbai.
