Congress Criticizes Assam CM for Controversial Remarks on ULFA-I Leader
Congress Takes Aim at Chief Minister's Comments
Mira Borthakur at a press meet after an organisational meeting of Jorhat District Women's Congress
Jorhat, July 12: The Congress party has sharply criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent comments regarding the leader of the banned group United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I). The party claims that Sarma's description of the ULFA-I chief as a 'revolutionary' sends a troubling message to the youth of Assam.
During a press conference at the Jorhat District Congress Bhawan, Mira Borthakur expressed her disapproval of the Chief Minister's statements made in the Assembly, labeling them as 'provocative and irresponsible.'
"It is alarming that someone in the highest constitutional position is making such statements. These comments could mislead the younger generation," she stated.
Borthakur highlighted Sarma's suggestion that if murals of revolutionaries are to be created, the portrait of ULFA-I leader Paresh Baruah could be included. She questioned the wisdom of glorifying a figure associated with a banned militant group.
"The Government of India has classified ULFA as a banned organization. Therefore, promoting its leader as a revolutionary is highly inappropriate. If an ordinary citizen made such a statement, would the police not take action? People are arrested for merely liking posts related to banned groups. Why should the Chief Minister be treated differently?" she asked.
She further expressed concern about the potential influence of such remarks on the youth.
"If the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Home Department, suggests that youth should paint Baruah's portrait as a revolutionary, what happens if young people start idolizing him or following a similar path? Who will be accountable?" she questioned.
Borthakur accused Sarma of misusing stringent laws like the National Security Act (NSA) to intimidate dissenters.
"The Chief Minister often mentions the NSA. Such laws should not be tools for intimidation. Continuously threatening citizens reveals insecurity rather than strength. A responsible leader should exercise caution in both speech and action," she remarked.
Clarifying her stance, Borthakur emphasized that her criticism was aimed at the Chief Minister's comments, not at Baruah himself. "This isn't about insulting or defending anyone. It's about recognizing the implications of what a Chief Minister says. Every statement from such a high office carries significant weight. The Chief Minister, being a law student, should be aware of the legal and social ramifications of glorifying the leader of a banned organization," she concluded.
She urged Sarma to retract his statements and focus on governance instead of making remarks that could be seen as endorsing militancy.