Guwahati, 19 February (HS): Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday clarified in the Assam Legislative Assembly that no militant attack had taken place against members of the Tablighi Jamaat in Bongaigaon district on February 4.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Aminul Islam during the final day of the Budget Session, the Chief Minister stated that reports suggesting an extremist attack were incorrect. He said the incident stemmed from public suspicion rather than any organised act of violence.
According to Sarma, on January 29, a group of 11 individuals travelling on two rickshaws from New Bongaigaon Railway Station to Kismat Ninanbari under Kalagachia police station in Barpeta district was stopped by locals. The people reportedly found their appearance and behaviour suspicious and suspected them to be illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. The individuals were unable to immediately produce valid identity documents.
On receiving information, the police promptly reached the spot, brought the situation under control and ensured that no untoward incident occurred. The Chief Minister informed the House that the individuals were later medically examined and allowed to return home.
He asserted that the episode was not a deliberate attack nor a case of criminal force, and therefore no criminal case was registered. The situation, he added, arose purely out of suspicion among certain members of the public.----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
