Guwahati: The Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) is disturbed and dismayed by the Supreme Court of India's decision to allow for the detention of civil rights activist Gautam Navalakha and Anand Teltumbe after August 14,2020. Both had been implicated in Bhima Korgoan case of 2018, where many Dalit activists were hurt in rioting by mobs supported by powerful local politicians. The subseauent arrests of civil right activists testimony to the dubious processes that were followed in order to implicate persons fighting for social justice in the Indian sub-continent.
In a press release, issued by MASS demands immediate release of the two rights activists.
Both Navalakha and Teltumbe have assisted the fight for human rights for the people of northeast India, including Assam. They have consistently opposed state violence and are part of the campaign against the draconian laws like Armed forces (special powers) Act,1958. They have been exemplary figures of commitment and determination in the fight against social injustice of oppressed peoples as well as the issue autonomy for indigenous communities across the region. The charges against them are examples of government's high handedness. It is no co incidence that they have been charge under provision of the Unlawful Activities (prevention) Act that is increasingly being used to silence dissenting India.
At a time when the government has to take stock of a pandemic of fearsome proportions and find ways to deal with the economic focus each aftermath, it saddens us to see them pursue a frivolous, vindictive agenda in state. The unjust and unwarranted arrest of Akhil Gogoi and other activists of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) in Assam are further evidence of the kind of dangerous expansion of authoritarianism in the subcontinent. If there is one thing that public health messaging on COVID-19 has managed, is to tell us that older people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable that count alone, Gautam Navalakha and Anand Teltumbe have to remain in their homes until the legal processes finds its logical end.
"We therefore join other democratic voices in demanding that the order to arrest the two eminent civil rights activist be rescinded at this time .we are confident that due legal process will show that the cases against them are absurd and part of a political vendetta that serves to curb", the release added.
The rivers of Northeast India are changing, and not for the better. Once lifelines of the region, they are now at risk due to glacial retreat, erratic rainfall and intensifying floods. On World Water Day 2025, the North-East India Water Talks, or NEIWT, sounded the alarm, submitting a memorandum to key policymakers, including the governor of Manipur, the chief minister of Tripura and water resources ministers from all Northeastern states. Their message was clear: Act now, or the region faces a dire water crisis.
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Surojit Academy, located on the Assam Engineering College campus, celebrated World Puppetry Day on March 21 and World Mime Day on the same occasion, though it is officially observed on March 22. This year’s theme for World Puppetry Day was “Robots, Artificial Intelligence, and the Dreams of Puppets.”
The event featured a speech by Binita Devi, recipient of the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar and director of Surojit Academy, on the role of artificial intelligence in puppetry. Abani Sharma, a leading puppeteer from Assam who has performed in India and Spain, was felicitated at the event. Dr. Kuldeep Patgiri, another Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar awardee, attended as a distinguished...
Renowned sculptor Sankar Kalita from Paikana village near Baihata Chariali in Kamrup district, who had established himself in Guwahati, has been missing for over a month and a half, causing concern in the area. Kalita, who moved to Guwahati around 30 years ago to pursue sculpting, has been involved in creating numerous sculptures across Guwahati and various parts of Assam. Recently, he had set up his own sculpting studio in Vetapara, Guwahati. However, in a mysterious turn of events, he traveled to Mumbai in late December for business-related work and has not returned since.
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In a controversial move, the Assam government has terminated 64 lecturers from polytechnic institutes who were protesting for the regularization of their jobs. These lecturers had been on a hunger strike for 23 days, demanding that their temporary positions be made permanent. They were initially appointed during the tenure of Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Education Minister.
The lecturers, who have been working as founder faculty members in polytechnics for eight years, had come to Guwahati during the budget session to appeal to the government regarding their demands. However, the government’s refusal to regularize their jobs forced them to stage a protest under the open sky. Their...
In the hilly district of Karbi Anglong, Assam, anxiety looms large among the indigenous communities as the state government plans to acquire 18,000 bighas of land for a 1,000-megawatt solar power project. This proposed project threatens to displace nearly 20,000 Karbi, Naga, and tribal residents from 23 villages in the Khatkhati-Longkathar area. For over two centuries, these indigenous communities have lived on this land, cultivating crops and sustaining their livelihoods through agriculture.
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Controversial YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia appeared before the Assam Police in Guwahati on Friday in connection with a case related to his objectionable comments made during the ‘India’s Got Talent’ show. He is currently being questioned by the Crime Branch of Guwahati Police.
Allahbadia was initially supposed to appear before the Assam Police last week regarding the case, which stems from his controversial remarks on the show that sparked widespread criticism. A case was registered against him in Guwahati, and he was issued a summons to appear before the police.
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In a thought-provoking lecture on Monday, invited speaker Senior Advocate and Eminent Writer Arup Borbora explored the evolving landscape of human rights and the rule of law, emphasizing their importance in shaping modern societies. Reflecting on historical developments and contemporary challenges, Borbora highlighted the significance of safeguarding civil, political, and economic rights, particularly in the context of Assam and India. He underscored the ongoing need for reform and the preservation of democratic principles amid growing concerns over human rights violations and governance.
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