Assam opposition files FIR against CM Sarma over 'promoting' communal tension

Digital Desk: The United Opposition Forum on Wednesday filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging his actions are devised to incite enmity among religious and ethnic groups in the state. 

The complaint, submitted by key opposition figures including Bhupen Kumar Borah, chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Lurinjyoti Gogoi of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), Congress Legislature Party leader Debabrata Saikia, Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, and Rajya Sabha MP Ajit Bhuyan, accuses Sarma of fostering communal discord.

The complaint letter highlights the recent outrage following the tragic rape of a young woman from Dhing. According to the opposition leaders, Sarma and other BJP affiliates are exploiting this tragic event to incite communal tensions, particularly targeting a specific community. They claim this has led to violent attacks on religious minorities in Sivasagar by BJP workers and leaders. One incident cited involves Mayur Borgohain, a BJP candidate from the 2021 assembly elections, who allegedly assaulted laborers working under him. The complaint alleges this behavior is part of a larger conspiracy to create riot-like conditions, implicating Sarma and other BJP leaders in this supposed criminal plot.

The complaint also accuses Sarma of making provocative statements targeting specific communities. It references several incidents where Sarma allegedly used inflammatory language. For example, a year ago, he reportedly advocated for the eviction of people from a religious group referred to as "Miya" from Guwahati. On August 4, 2024, Sarma is said to have made controversial remarks about journalist Shah Alom, referencing the journalist’s religion in a way that the opposition claims was designed to incite communal tensions. Furthermore, on August 23, 2024, Sarma allegedly claimed that individuals from a particular religious group deliberately consume beef to displace others, a statement the opposition argues could further inflame communal discord.

The complaint letter asserts that Sarma’s continued inflammatory remarks could potentially lead to widespread unrest. The opposition leaders are urging immediate legal action, citing the Chief Minister’s recent claim of himself as a "mad dog" in a party meeting as evidence of his dangerous behavior. They argue that if Sarma is not restrained, he might provoke riot-like situations for political gain. The opposition has requested that a case be registered against Sarma and his associates under sections 61, 196, and 35(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and that a thorough investigation be conducted.