On 22nd January, a local court in Imphal ordered the release of Irom Sharmila by regarding the charge of "attempt to suicide" as baseless. However, Irom Sharmila has been re-arrested again and has been booked under the same charge of "attempt to suicide" under 309 IPC.
Save Sharmila Solidarity Campaign (SSSC), a nation-wide campaign in support of Irom Sharmila and againstAFSPA, condemns the re-arrest. SSSC considers this re-arrest of Irom Sharmila as a mockery of judiciary by the state. While the judiciary had released her by quashing the charges of "attempt to suicide", the state has re-arrested her on the same grounds.
SSSC believes that it is a failure of state to resolve the issue of AFSPA and it is making Sharmila, a victim of state. At this time when few days ago, even the government said that it is considering the decriminalization of the 309 IPC, it seems that the state functionaries are trying to get the benefit till the time the government decriminalises it.
SSSC appeals with Govt of India to intervene in the issue and to order immediate release of Sharmila. It also appeals that immediate steps should be taken to repeal AFSPA, the cause for which Irom Sharmila is protesting.
AFSPA must be removed in view of large scale human rights violations. Even the state leadership of present ruling party in Central govt had favored in repealing of this act. The state unit of BJP had promised the repeal of AFSPA during the elections.
SSSC has organised and is continuing its efforts to highlight the issue and struggle of people in AFSPA imposed areas. SSSC has also sent letters and delegations to various authorities and appealed them to repeal this act, however SSSC is determined to initiative a major movement in coming days to protest against this act.
PermalinkSubmitted by agnes kharshiing on Mon, 26/01/2015 - 11:41
This is outrageous and illegal. She has every right to protest especially against a draconian act which allows armed forces to illegally carry on many illegal activities from within these areas without having to be accountable.It is a known fact that the lapses and corruption in the armed forces leads to much rise in security threat to the State and the nation. Many arms and drugs smugglers pay the army personnel and get through easily. the Secret funds in name of fighting terrorism is all in name when they (armed forces) know who is behind all the terror being bred and funded. Common man cannot fund and protect terrorism. It is the high and the mighty .. We the Civil Society Women Organization(CSWO) Meghalaya, demand that the AFSPA be repealed and flush out the corrupt in the armed forces and clean the mess as the people should not be made scapegoats, unless the whole Indian Army fears one Iron Lady.
A two-day ‘People’s Consultation on Strengthening Humanitarian Response and Climate Resilience in the Brahmaputra Basin’ concluded today at Hotel Clubway Grand, Jorhat, with the adoption of the People’s Declaration for a Resilient Brahmaputra Basin. The event was organised by the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) in collaboration with the Inter Agency Group (IAG) of Assam and various local humanitarian civil society actors from across the Brahmaputra valley, with support from Start Network.
The consultation brought together humanitarian practitioners, climate workers, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and women’s collectives to deliberate on...
Guwahati: Curtains came down on the 9th Chalachitram National Film Festival at the Jyoti Chitraban premises in Kahilipara on 30 November 2025, as distinguished guests at the closing ceremony handed over awards, certificates, and cash prizes to the winning filmmakers in the presence of eminent film personalities, emerging director-producers and cine-goers. Organized by Chalachitram, a subsidiary of Vishwa Samvad Kendra-Assam, the two-day CNFF-25 showcased over 30 short features and documentaries across competitive and screening categories. ‘Koli’, directed by Jyotirmoy Mazumder, was adjudged the best short feature in the Northeast India category, while ‘Joba’, directed by Indira Baikerikar,...
The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday hosted the IIC Regional Meet 2025, drawing more than 500 participants from higher educational institutions across the Northeast. The day-long programme, organised under the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), was held at the Multi-Convention Hall on the NEHU campus.
The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by an introductory address by Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, SPOC of the Regional Meet. Prof. G. Bez, Chairperson of the Meet, delivered the welcome speech, while Prof. I. Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, NEHU, offered brief remarks....
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NEADS works at the intersection of humanitarian response, resilience building, climate action and environmental sustainability, adopting a nexus approach to address the human dimensions of environmental crises arising from both natural and human-induced disasters. The organization emphasizes community well-being...
Guwahati: The Pragjyotishpur Literature Festival (PLF) 2025 concluded this evening at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, wrapping up three days of rich literary discussions, cultural insights, and powerful storytelling. Organized by the Sankardeva Education and Research Foundation, the festival began on 14 November with acclaimed author Shefali Baidya delivering the keynote address.
On the final day, the organizers announced the recipients of this year’s prestigious PLF awards. Eminent researcher and author Moneswar Deori was named the recipient of the PLF 2025 Award, while promising young writer Srotashwini Tamuli, a researcher at Birangana Sati Sadhani State University, was declared the...
As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-30), the North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) from Assam has stepped onto the global stage to ensure the voices of the region’s flood-affected and climate-vulnerable communities are heard.
Representing NEADS as an Observer of the Start Network, Tirtha Prasad Saikia, the organisation’s Director, said the participation marks a crucial moment for the North-East, one of India’s most climate-sensitive regions.
“We are here because climate change is not a distant issue for us — it’s our everyday reality,” said Saikia. “Assam’s communities have been battling floods, erosion,...
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Das, who had known Zubeen for more than two decades, recalled his early memories vividly. “He was just a simple, soft-spoken boy when I first met him — full of restless energy, always humming tunes. He could pick up any instrument, any rhythm, and turn it into something magical. But what stood out most was his humility. Despite his fame, Zubeen never carried an ego. He could be sitting on the ground with villagers one day and on stage...
Along with the rest of Assam, the people of Nazira observed Kati Bihu today with devotion and traditional fervor. The festival, which marks a crucial phase in the agricultural calendar, was celebrated with prayers for a prosperous harvest and protection from natural calamities.
As the sun set, households across Nazira lit earthen lamps (chakis) before Tulsi plants and in the paddy fields, symbolizing hope and reverence for nature’s bounty. The flickering lights illuminated the night, reflecting the community’s collective faith in a good harvest season.
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Students from the North-East (excluding Assam) showcased their passion and knowledge for wildlife conservation at the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge (WWGC) 2025, WWF-India’s flagship wildlife quiz that has been inspiring young minds since 2008.
This year’s 18th edition, themed “Incredible Insects”, explored the fascinating world of insects – from butterflies and moths to bees, grasshoppers, mantises, and dragonflies. The challenge, designed for students in grades 6 to 9, combined interactive learning through webinars, informative resources, and a new BioBlitz initiative, encouraging children to connect with nature and understand their role in conserving biodiversity.
Over 400,000...
October 14, 2025 - Students from Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti School emerged victorious in the Assam State finale of the Wild Wisdom Global Challenge, defeating competitors from 109 other schools in what organizers called one of the most competitive rounds in the program's 18-year history.
The competition, held at Miles Bronson Residential School in Guwahati, saw participation from 220 students representing schools from across the state. Ashwin Anand of Class 9 and Anubhadipta Boruah of Class 8 from the winning school will advance to represent Assam in the zonal round of India's largest wildlife quiz competition.
STATEWIDE PARTICIPATION REACHES RECORD LEVELS
This year's competition...
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This is outrageous and
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