The Shillong Press Club (SPC) has strongly condemned the arrest of senior Assam journalist Dilawar Hussain Mazumdar, issuing a statement denouncing the action. Mazumdar, the chief reporter of Crosscurrent Digital Media, was first arrested on the night of March 25. Although he was granted bail on March 26, he was rearrested on March 27 based on a complaint filed by the managing director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank.
SPC President D L Syiemlieh stated that the rearrest of Mazumdar shortly after being granted bail is deeply concerning and represents a shocking misuse of legal processes. He emphasized that this action constitutes a direct assault on the freedom of the press and the fundamental right to free expression. Syiemlieh further noted that the arrest appears to be an attempt to intimidate journalists engaged in investigative reporting against the ruling political party, reflecting a broader nationwide trend to silence dissenting voices.
According to Syiemlieh, in a democratic society, the media plays an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information. Efforts to suppress this role through force and intimidation are unacceptable and must be firmly resisted. The Shillong Press Club has expressed unwavering solidarity with Mazumdar, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The organization has called on the authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect press freedom, and protect the rights and dignity of those associated with the media. They warned that such disturbing tactics must cease if the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution are to be preserved.
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.
According to family members, Kalita had planned to return home during Magh Bihu but later informed them that he...
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.
Assam’s Rajya Sabha MP, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, raised the issue in the Upper House, highlighting that the government is proceeding with the land acquisition without consulting the local communities,...
The proposed acquisition of 18,000 bighas of land in Karbi Anglong district’s Khatkhati-Longkathar area for a 1,000-megawatt solar power project has sparked widespread fear and protests among the local tribal communities. The central and state governments are pushing forward with the project, which threatens to displace thousands of indigenous people, including Karbi, Naga, and Adivasi communities, who have been living and cultivating the land for generations.
The land in question has been home to these communities for over 200 years, where they have been growing bamboo, banana trees, rabi crops, and broom grass to sustain their livelihoods. The government’s move to acquire this land for...
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.
Last week, the Guwahati Crime Branch also questioned another YouTuber, Ashish Chanchlani, who was similarly embroiled in...
The Press Club of Assam (PCA) has expressed concern over the recent controversy involving Assam Health & Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal and his alleged remarks on Bhaona, a traditional Assamese performing art form. The PCA has urged the journalist involved in the matter to clarify his stance, as the issue has sparked widespread debate and criticism.
The controversy began when a television journalist, associated with a news channel owned by the family of the State government’s chief, claimed in a social media post that Minister Singhal disrespected a delegation from the Gauhati Press Club (GPC). The delegation had invited Singhal to a forthcoming Bhaona performance in the city...
Dr. Thomas Lodi is a renowned physician specializing in integrative oncology, combining conventional medicine with natural therapies to treat cancer and chronic diseases. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lodi is dedicated to addressing the root causes of illness and enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. He emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans that integrate nutrition, detoxification, emotional well-being, and targeted therapies.
View this post on Instagram
A post...
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.
4th PARAG KUMAR DAS MEMORIAL LECTURE
Speaker: ARUP BORBORA: Senior Advocate, Eminent Writer...
Udalguri: The 32nd Annual Conference-cum-Get-Together of the Tangla Veterans Association, an umbrella organization representing over 500 former members and families of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, was held at the association’s office in Tangla town, Udalguri district, on Wednesday.
The event commenced with the unfurling of the organizational flag and a solemn homage to martyrs, led by President Ex-Subedar Sidhi Ram Nath and Secretary Ex-Havildar Hareswar Boro.
Col. Pradeep Singh Tumar, Commanding Officer of the 81st Field Regiment stationed in Ghagra, Udalguri, graced the occasion as the chief guest, alongside Col. (Retd.) Prabhu Nath Giri, District Sainik Welfare Officer of...
Add new comment