GUWAHATI, March 22: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah has strongly condemned the attack on Congress workers in Dhemaji and vowed to move the court if the police fail to take action. Addressing a press conference at Laimekuri under the Jonai constituency on Saturday, Borah accused the ruling BJP of fostering lawlessness and using its influence to shield criminals.

On March 18, a group of Congress workers was attacked by unidentified miscreants in Jonai, Dhemaji district. The assault, which occurred at Meseki Chapori under the Simen Sapori police station, left two workers seriously injured and a vehicle damaged. Borah criticized the police for failing to take decisive action against the culprits.

Borah reiterated that the Congress has faced attacks before and will not be cowed by violence. He reminded the public of Congress’s history of sacrifice during India’s freedom movement and stated that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to democracy.
“When Lekhon Lahon was killed in Dhemaji, when Manabendra Sarma was killed in Guwahati, and when Rohiteswar Saikia was killed in Sivasagar, Congress workers took to the streets. We are patient, but if the police fail to act, we will seek justice in court,” he warned.

Borah further stated that the Director General of Police (DGP) would be responsible if Congress workers lose patience. He placed direct blame on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for allegedly eroding police integrity. “Himanta Biswa Sarma built his political career in Congress. He was made a candidate by Hiteswar Saikia in 1996 and Tarun Gogoi in 2001. But after joining BJP, he has dismantled the morale of the state police and turned them into his puppets,” he said.

Borah alleged that after the attack, Dhemaji District Congress Committee (DCC) president Bhaskar Duarah lodged an FIR, but the police merely called the accused to the station, served them tea and sweets, and later allowed them to have a photo session with the local BJP MLA.

“Our DCC workers protested and filed complaints, but the police officer in charge received direct calls from Dispur. MLA Bhuban Pegu left the assembly session to participate in the photo session with the accused. Hitesh Pegu, who is accused of making threats, was seen alongside the MLA,” Borah claimed.

Borah highlighted the rising political violence in Assam, drawing comparisons with West Bengal and Bihar. “We used to read about such incidents in newspapers about Bengal and Bihar. But now, the BJP has brought the same culture to Assam. They are using muscle power to silence the opposition,” he said.

Borah also condemned the recent chaos in the Assam Assembly, where BJP MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi allegedly chased another MLA, Sherman Ali, up to his seat. “Debate is normal in a democratic assembly, but physically chasing an MLA is unheard of. Such actions resemble animal behaviour, yet the Chief Minister and Speaker remained silent,” he said.

Borah further alleged that outside the assembly, Kurmi dismissed his actions by stating he is “not fully mad or half mad.” “This kind of individual is allowed to target opposition MLAs under BJP’s rule. Where is Assam’s democracy heading?” he questioned.

Borah accused the Assam Police of acting as BJP’s private militia, citing multiple instances where police failed to take action against BJP-backed violence. “In Sotea, when I was assaulted, the accused was later seen in a photo session with MLA Padma Hazarika. In Samaguri, BJP goons attacked a man in uniform, yet no action was taken,” he alleged.
He also raised concerns over the lack of police action in the case of two minor children, who were murdered and buried in Jonai. “The police have no clue about the accused. But the local MLA had time for a photo session with those who attempted to kill Congress workers,” he further said.

Borah warned that Assam Police’s inaction is forcing the state’s people toward revolt. “If police can demolish a Congress protest pandal at Ranganadi at 8 am, why can’t they catch the killers of two minors? Is the Assam Police now a bonded servant of BJP?” he questioned.

Borah announced that Congress, alongside women and youth workers, will organize massive protests to demand justice. “We are not afraid. But we want the public to judge whether we should now start retaliating for our security. Should opposition MLAs carry weapons for self-defence inside the Assembly?” he asked.

Accusing Himanta Biswa Sarma of corrupting Assam’s political culture, Borah claimed that Sarma’s brand of politics has led to growing voter apathy. “Twenty per cent of voters don’t vote. Five per cent vote for NOTA. In the GMC polls, 52 per cent didn’t vote because they’ve lost faith in the system,” he said.

He concluded by denouncing BJP’s unethical political tactics, including alleged horse-trading and intimidation. “Himanta Biswa Sarma’s actions have made the younger generation detest politics. We will not let this continue unchecked. Congress will fight back,” he added.
The press conference was attended by APMC president Mira Borthakur Goswami, APCC senior spokesperson Sailen Sonowal, APCC treasurer Hemahari Pegu, spokesperson Surajit Doley and Bijit Handique, Dhemaji DCC president Bhaskar Duarah, Mukukseleng BCC president Tuniram Doley, APCC ST Cell general secretary Bikram Ranchiary, Dhemaji DYC president Rahim Pegu, and APMC vice president Kanaklata Patir Pegu.

Also Read: Assam BJP chief asks MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi to issue public apology

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