Fresh Charges Emerge After Assam BJP Leader Withdraws Previous Complaint; Accusations of Disrupting Social Harmony Surface
In Short:
- A new FIR has been filed against Shrinkhal Chaliha by Shankar Singh, accusing him of disturbing social harmony in Assam.
- Assam BJP leader Gaurav Somani withdrew an earlier FIR against Chaliha after pressure from ULFA-I.
- Tensions rise in Sivasagar following an attack on a minor, leading to widespread protests and a shutdown of non-Assamese businesses.
In a developing situation in Assam, a fresh FIR has been lodged against Veer Lachit Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha on Tuesday, just hours after Assam BJP leader Gaurav Somani withdrew his own complaint against Chaliha. This new FIR was filed by Shankar Singh, the national president of the All Hindustani Yuva Parishad, at the Bharalumukh Police Station. Singh has accused Chaliha of attempting to disrupt social harmony in Assam for his personal and political gain.
Earlier in the day, Somani had retracted his complaint against Chaliha after a demand from the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I). The ULFA-I had issued a warning on Monday, stating that if the complaint was not withdrawn, it could lead to negative consequences for both Somani and the non-Assamese community in Sivasagar.
Somani’s initial FIR had accused Chaliha of inciting division along linguistic and racial lines, following Chaliha’s threats against non-Assamese communities after an assault on a minor. The minor, a national gold medallist in arm wrestling and a student at the Assam Energy Institute, was attacked on August 13, sparking significant outrage.
Speaking to the press, Chaliha stated, "The indigenous people of Assam have united against this bullying of non-Assamese people, and the protest has spread from Sivasagar to Dergaon. This movement will continue until the government ensures the protection of our land, prestige, and dignity."
On Tuesday, the streets of Sivasagar were eerily quiet as various organizations enforced a shutdown of non-Assamese businesses in response to the recent attack on Jimmy Das, a local minor, by three non-Assamese businessmen. The attack has triggered severe anger among the local Assamese population, leading to heightened tensions.
Previously, on August 19, more than 30 organizations marched through the streets of Sivasagar, demanding justice for the assaulted minor and an apology from the accused. Protesters chanted slogans like "We won’t tolerate attacks on Assamese," "We want justice," and "No more bullying of Assamese people," calling for strict action against those responsible.
This incident has reignited long-standing issues surrounding indigenous rights and the perceived influx of outsiders, further straining community relations in the region.