Assam's Year in Review: A Journey Through Triumphs and Tragedies in 2025

A Year of Contrasts in Assam

The year 2025 presented a mixed bag for Assam, marked by significant security measures alongside notable achievements in sports, ambitious development initiatives, and heartbreaking losses. The state experienced rapid advancements in infrastructure and urban projects, even as pressing issues surrounding governance, environmental concerns, and cultural identity emerged.

This year-end summary encapsulates the pivotal events of 2025, detailing the milestones, discussions, and innovations that influenced the region throughout the year. Let's explore the highlights from A to Z.

Advantage Assam 2.0: At the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment & Infrastructure Summit, Assam secured 297 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) valued at ₹2,77,438.97 crore. Of these, 70 MoUs worth ₹1,20,958.93 crore were successfully implemented. Additionally, 2,678 agreements totaling ₹7,122.24 crore were signed at District Industries and Commercial Centres, with 494 already underway and 1,174 in progress.

Binita Chetry at the Britain's Got Talent competition (Photo - @MDoNER_India / X)

Binita Chetry: The talented Assamese dancer Binita Chetry achieved third place in the international competition Britain's Got Talent, showcasing her skills in a breathtaking finale that earned her a standing ovation from both judges and the audience. She described the experience as 'the best' and hinted at a surprise for her performance.

CAA Extension: In September 2025, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs extended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) cut-off date from 2014 to December 31, 2024, allowing persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to remain in India without valid documentation. This decision provided significant relief, especially to Hindus from Pakistan who entered India post-2014.

Deepak Sarma: Renowned flautist Deepak Sarma passed away at the age of 57 on November 3 in Chennai, where he was receiving treatment for chronic liver disease. Born on August 23, 1968, in Panigaon, Nalbari, and residing in Guwahati, he was celebrated for his extraordinary flute skills, earning accolades both locally and internationally.

Economy (Concert): Assam took a significant step towards establishing a concert economy in September 2025 by announcing a performance by global music sensation Post Malone in Guwahati on December 8. This event, part of the state's newly introduced Concert Economy Policy, aimed to attract tourists, support local businesses, and elevate cities like Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh as cultural hotspots.

Forest Depletion: A study utilizing satellite imagery has highlighted alarming forest degradation in Assam, despite legal protections. Conducted over three decades (1990–2020), the research revealed that the Biswanath Reserved Forest experienced a 65.92% decline in dense forest cover, with similar losses in Gohpur Reserved Forest (28.6%), Naduar Reserved Forest (27.02%), and Behali Wildlife Sanctuary (16.98%).

The newly inaugurated Guwahati airport terminal (Photo - @cbdhage / X)

Guwahati Airport Terminal: On December 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Terminal 2 at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Constructed at a cost of ₹4,000 crore, this terminal is projected to accommodate 13.1 million passengers annually. The overall project cost is ₹5,000 crore, which includes ₹1,000 crore earmarked for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Hagrama Mohilary: The Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) achieved a remarkable victory in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections on September 27, winning 28 out of 40 seats under Mohilary’s leadership. This was a significant increase from their previous 17 seats in 2020, granting them an absolute majority. Mohilary won in Debargaon but lost in Chirangduar, while outgoing BTC chief Pramod Boro won in Goimari but lost in Dotma.

IFFI 2025 & Assam: Two Assamese films, Bhaimon Da and Sikaar, were selected for the Indian Panorama section of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa. Bhaimon Da, directed by Sasanka Samir, was featured in the Feature Film section, while Sikaar, directed by Debangkar Borghain, represented Assam in the Mainstream Cinema category.

Jhumoir dance underway at Sarusajai Stadium (Photo - @PMOIndia / X)

Jhumoir Binandini: On February 24, Sarusajai Stadium was filled with over 9,000 Jhumur dancers, musicians, and mentors who performed at Jhumoir Binandini, creating a vibrant spectacle of red and white. Women in traditional attire danced to the beat of drums and the melodies of Jhumur songs, making it a grand cultural event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga National Park recorded its highest-ever foreign tourist attendance in 2025-26. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on social media that the UNESCO Heritage site saw a 127% increase in foreign visitors, stating, 'The world is discovering @kaziranga like never before.'

Licence (Arms): In a groundbreaking decision, the Assam government announced plans to issue arms licenses to indigenous citizens living in vulnerable and remote areas. This initiative, facilitated under a special scheme, aims to empower local communities to safeguard themselves amid rising concerns over cross-border infiltration and security threats, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Martyrs Memorial: In December, the Assam government inaugurated the Swahid Smarak Kshetra at Boragaon in Guwahati, commemorating the 860 martyrs of the Assam Agitation. Built on 116 bighas at a cost of ₹178 crore, it features a 225-foot central memorial, 860 statues, a meditation hall, a laser show arena, a horticulture garden, a food court, an auditorium, and a cycle track.

Nandinee Kashyap Hit-And-Run Case: Assamese actress Nandinee Kashyap was arrested by Guwahati City Police in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Samiul Haque, an engineering student working temporarily with the Guwahati Smart City project. The incident occurred on July 25 in Dakshingaon, Kahilipara, and Haque succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital. Kashyap was presented in court on July 30 and remanded to two days’ police custody before being granted bail on September 8.

Aminul Islam being taken into custody for his anti-India remarks (Photo - @assampolice / X)

Operation Sindoor: In 2025, Assam Police arrested over 100 individuals for inflammatory social media posts related to Operation Sindoor, following increased scrutiny of online activities across the state. This initiative targeted unlawful digital conduct perceived as detrimental to public order and national security. Among those detained was AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam, arrested for alleged anti-India comments that sparked broader discussions on free speech, misinformation, and security.

Polygamy: On November 27, the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, outlawing polygamy and instituting strict penalties. The law stipulates up to seven years’ imprisonment for unlawful polygamy and up to ten years for concealing a previous marriage, while also providing compensation and legal protection for women in illegal unions. Village heads, Quazis, or guardians involved in fraudulent polygamous marriages face up to two years in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh. This law applies throughout Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule areas and certain Scheduled Tribes.

Quiet Crises: Air pollution emerged as a growing concern for Assam in 2025, exacerbated by increasing vehicle numbers and ongoing construction activities. A report prepared with the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation estimated Guwahati’s PM10 emissions at 1,071 tonnes annually. Road and construction dust contributed 37% of PM10 emissions, followed by industries at 25% and road transport at 21%, with road transport accounting for 52% of finer PM2.5 emissions. In response, the Assam Pollution Control Board collaborated with iForest to launch the Guwahati Clean Air Plan, unveiled on December 17.

Roi Roi Binale Record: Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, achieved remarkable success, surpassing ₹10 crore at the Indian box office, making it the fourth highest-grossing Assamese film ever. Released on October 31, it garnered ₹1.85 crore on its opening day, the highest ever for an Assamese film, and ₹11.43 crore in its first week against a budget of ₹5 crore.

Swagata Square Complex Fire: A significant fire erupted on December 10 at the Swagata Square Complex on Guwahati’s GS Road, engulfing a commercial godown for over 48 hours. Firefighters, with assistance from the Army, IAF, and NDRF, managed to control the blaze after two days.

The test match underway at ACA stadium in Guwahati (Photo - @TridibIANS / X)

Test Match in Guwahati: On November 22, Guwahati’s ACA Stadium hosted its inaugural Test match, featuring India against South Africa. This event marked a historic milestone as the city became India’s 30th Test venue, introducing five-day international cricket to Assam and the Northeast.

Umrangso Mine Tragedy: The tragedy began on January 6 when nine miners were trapped in a flooded illegal rat-hole coal mine at Tin Kilo, Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. After 42 days of search and rescue efforts, all nine bodies were recovered, concluding the prolonged and challenging operation.

Voters: The Election Commission of India initiated a special revision of electoral rolls in Assam starting November 1, with January 1, 2026, set as the qualifying date. Officials reported that over 29 lakh households were surveyed, focusing on eliminating duplicate entries, including eligible voters, and correcting demographic details. Citizens were encouraged to verify draft rolls and submit claims or objections within specified timelines.

Women’s World Cup: Guwahati hosted its first-ever women’s ODI, attracting an unprecedented crowd of over 22,000 fans, despite intermittent rain, setting a new record for an ICC women’s event. The India-Sri Lanka match saw 22,843 spectators, surpassing the previous group-stage attendance record of 15,935 set during last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, as confirmed by the ICC on October 1.

X-Mas Vandalism in Nalbari: Christmas celebrations at St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, were marred by vandalism, where a group destroyed decorations, burned Christmas items, damaged property, and discarded a statue of Jesus Christ while threatening school authorities on December 24. Following the incident, police arrested four leaders associated with the VHP and Bajrang Dal on December 25.

Yearbook Launch: A yearbook documenting significant developments in Assam, the Northeast, India, and globally across various sectors was launched at the Assam Book Fair this year.

The mortal remains of Zubeen Garg being taken airport to his residence in Kahilipara

Zubeen Garg: The beloved cultural figure of Assam, Zubeen Garg, tragically passed away in Singapore on September 19 following an accident. He sustained injuries after falling into the sea and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed. He had traveled to Singapore to participate in the North East Festival. For many, it felt as if a piece of Assam’s essence had been lost; the voice that resonated with themes of love, loss, rebellion, and home had been silenced.