DULIAJAN, Oct 27: Indigenous Forum Assam on Tuesday condemned the attack on an Assamese Bihu husori troupe in the Barak Valley during Bijoya Dashami and demanded the arrest of all those involved.
In a statement, the organisation alleged that the troupe was attacked over objections to the performance of Assamese songs in the region, describing the incident as an affront to the dignity of the Assamese people. It warned against repeated attacks on the Assamese language and culture by what it termed a section of people in the Barak Valley.
The Forum also criticised the police response, alleging that an accused person was granted bail on the night of the incident. It questioned the police’s impartiality and accused them of bias and inaction. The organisation further claimed that the disclosure of the names of those already arrested had made several things clear, but did not elaborate.
Demanding that the state government arrest everyone involved and ensure exemplary punishment, the organisation warned the Home Department that it would launch democratic protests if police inaction continued.
The Forum also called for unity among indigenous communities, cautioning that divisions could leave them more vulnerable to such incidents. “Those who harbour hatred against Assamese people have no right to stay in Assam,” the statement said.
It added that the organisation would closely monitor the Home Department’s response, stating that the action taken would reflect the government’s approach towards the indigenous community.
The statement was issued by Bikramaditya Dutta Kakoty, Central Publicity Secretary of Indigenous Assam.
