Assam 2025: A Year That Asked More Questions Than It Answered?

Assam’s journey through 2025 unfolded as a year of stark contrasts — marked by tragedy and turmoil, political churn and policy push, cultural resurgence and unprecedented economic ambition.

From deadly disasters and ethnic unrest to record investments, landmark legislation and global cultural showcases, the state navigated a complex year that tested its resilience while reinforcing its growing national relevance.

A Grim Start: Mining Tragedy and Citizenship Fault Lines

The year began on a sombre note on January 6, when flooding inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine at Umrangso in Dima Hasao district trapped and killed nine miners. The tragedy triggered weeks-long rescue operations, nationwide outrage and a renewed crackdown on illegal mining, leading to the closure of more than 200 rat-hole mines across Assam.

Around the same time, a Gauhati High Court ruling related to deportation cases involving suspected Bangladeshi nationals reignited debates over the Assam Accord, citizenship verification and immigration enforcement, pushing the issue back into sharp political focus.

Global Spotlight: Culture, Conservation and Capital

February marked a decisive shift, placing Assam firmly on the global and cultural map. The Centre approved the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Bodoland, covering over 316 square kilometres, strengthening wildlife conservation efforts in the region.

Cultural prominence peaked with ‘Jhumoir Binandini’ at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati — a massive celebration of tea-tribe heritage featuring nearly 9,000 performers. The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and over 60 foreign diplomats, projecting Assam’s indigenous culture on an international stage.

Running concurrently was the Advantage Assam 2.0 Global Investment and Infrastructure Summit held on February 25–26. The summit resulted in the signing of 297 memoranda of understanding worth ₹2.77 lakh crore, with major commitments in green energy, ethanol, petrochemicals, infrastructure and a proposed semiconductor hub at Jagiroad.

Governance, Reforms and Law Enforcement

Governance and policy initiatives dominated the following months. During the budget session, the government rolled out Mission Basundhara 3.0, expanding land rights initiatives for indigenous communities and tea garden workers, while administrative reforms under ADRE 3.0 continued to address vacancies in state services.

In April, the HSLC examination results recorded a pass percentage of 63.98 per cent — the lowest in a decade — sparking debate on learning outcomes despite strong individual performances. Law enforcement agencies also made headlines with one of the state’s largest drug seizures, as the Special Task Force confiscated narcotics worth ₹71 crore in Kamrup district. Political tensions rose following the arrest of AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam over controversial digital remarks.

Ballots and Backwaters: Democracy Meets Disaster

May was defined by grassroots democracy. Panchayat elections held across 27 districts saw the BJP-led NDA register a landslide victory, winning 301 of 397 Zilla Parishad seats, significantly consolidating its dominance in rural Assam.

The following month brought nature’s fury. On June 1, Silchar recorded 415.8 mm of rainfall in 24 hours — the highest in 132 years — triggering catastrophic floods across the Barak Valley. The scale of devastation necessitated large-scale rescue operations by the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, once again highlighting the state’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Land, Health and Public Anger

Land and environmental issues took centre stage in July, when the government carried out its largest-ever eviction drive in Uriamghat, clearing approximately 15 lakh bighas of forest land along the Assam–Nagaland border. The move sparked political debate and social tension over land rights, conservation and border security.

Public outrage peaked in August following the death of an infant at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital due to alleged negligence in the NICU, leading to protests and a major administrative overhaul of state-run hospitals.

Policy Push and Cultural Recognition

August also saw a policy push, with the rollout of the Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2025 and the Startup and Innovation Policy 2025, aimed at boosting renewable energy adoption and entrepreneurship. Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Assam during the period, reviewing cyber security, election preparedness and cultural infrastructure projects.

At the end of the month, Assam witnessed a landmark cultural moment when the first-ever ‘Jani Shikar’ festival was held in Dibrugarh on August 31 and September 1, commemorating the bravery of Adivasi women warriors.

The Day Assam Mourned

September brought the state’s biggest emotional shock of the year. On September 19, legendary singer Zubeen Garg passed away in Singapore during the Northeast India Festival. Initially reported as a drowning, the circumstances surrounding his death led to state-wide mourning and demands for a high-level investigation.

In the same month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Assam to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹18,000 crore, including roads, bridges, ethanol and petrochemical plants, and medical colleges. He also launched the Neem Corridor in Golaghat, blending environmental symbolism with development.

Cinema, Culture and Sporting History

October was marked by cultural milestones. On October 31, Zubeen Garg’s final film, Roi Roi Binale, was released, becoming the widest-released and highest-grossing Assamese film in history.

Assam’s cinematic footprint expanded further as Bhaimon Da and Sikaar were selected for the Indian Panorama at IFFI 2025, while the Guwahati Asian Film Festival made its debut, bringing international cinema to the Northeast. Educational infrastructure also expanded with new polytechnic colleges opening in Hajo, Majuli and Tingkhang.

November delivered a sporting first when the Barsapara ACA Stadium hosted its first-ever Test match between India and South Africa. While historic, the match ended in disappointment for India, which suffered its largest-ever Test defeat by runs.

Bold Laws, Big Investments

Politically, November also saw major decisions. The Assam Cabinet approved Scheduled Tribe status for six communities — Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi and Tea Tribes — triggering intense debate across the state.

On November 27, the Assembly passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, introducing stringent prison terms and marking one of the state’s most significant social reform legislations. Around the same time, the Adani Group announced proposed investments worth $7.17 billion in Assam’s energy and infrastructure sectors.

A Turbulent End: Violence, Verdicts and Remembrance

December was an eventful month, marked by both significant developments and moments of unrest in Assam. On December 10, the Swahid Smarak Kshetra at Boragaon, Guwahati, was inaugurated as a tribute to the 860 martyrs of the Assam Agitation (1979–1985). Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the memorial, paid homage to the martyrs, and urged the people of Assam to safeguard their land and heritage. The inauguration featured a rendition of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika's "Swahid Pranamu Tumak" and included floral tributes.

On December 12, the Assam Police SIT filed a 12,270-page chargesheet in the Zubeen Garg death case, naming seven individuals accused of offences ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Chief Minister Sarma described the death as a “plain and simple murder,” while Garg’s widow demanded a fast-track trial.

Between December 22 and 28, ethnic violence broke out in West Karbi Anglong over VGR and PGR land rights, resulting in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to more than 170 security personnel. The Army conducted flag marches, and mobile internet services, which had been suspended for several days, were restored.

Security agencies also dismantled a terror module linked to IMK, arresting 11 operatives.

High-profile visits included:

• On December 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Terminal 2 of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and laid the foundation for the New Urea Project in Namrup.

• On December 18, Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre and the redeveloped Batadrava Than.

Heritage, Environment and the Road Ahead

Throughout the year, environmental and cultural concerns remained prominent. A devastating arson attack on the Molai Kathoni 2.0 forest sparked widespread outrage, while cultural life thrived through events such as the Pokitora Haduk Mela, the Indian Air Force’s first full-scale air show over the Brahmaputra, and the first anniversary of Charaideo Moidam as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As Assam steps into 2026, the lessons of 2025 remain deeply etched — a year that balanced grief with growth, unrest with reform, and heritage with ambition, leaving the state more assertive, experienced and politically consequential on the national stage.

Also Read: After Charge Sheet, Zubeen Garg’s Family Questions Safety Lapses, Seeks Fast-Track Hearing