Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal appeals for communal harmony

Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal called upon people to maintain communal harmony in the backdrop of recent skirmish between a businessman and pro-talk Ulfa leaders in central Assam’s Nagaon district.

Terming the reported skirmish unfortunate, Mr Sonowal expressed deep dissatisfaction over the attempt of a section of people to add communal colour to it and called on all communities of the state to maintain peace and harmony.

The incident had taken place on Tuesday in Nagaon town when some traders assaulted surrendered Ulfa leaders who went to collect fund for flood relief.

Mr Sonowal reiterated that harmony and unity are the strengths of the greater Assamese society that has assimilated people from different faiths, beliefs and linguistic groups over the years. “I am deeply saddened by the recent untoward incident that took place in Nagaon and I appeal to the people of the state to maintain peace and harmony in face of provocation. We must stay united and thwart all evil designs of divisive forces,” he said in a written statement.

Referring to Swargadeo Chaolung Siu Ka Pha and his policy of assimilation, Mr Sonowal said that the bedrocks of our culture and civilisation are unity and harmony.

“After Siu Ka Pha, Shankardev amplified the vision and synergy of the Assamese society as he welcomed people of all castes and creeds to accept the faith of Ek Saran Naam Dharma which eventually strengthened the Assamese community,” the chief minister stated

Further stating the contribution of former vice-chancellor of Calcutta University Ashutosh Mukherjee, who was the man behind the introduction of Assamese language in the university curriculum, Mr Sonowal said that the foundation of Assamese literary movement took root in Kolkata through setting up of Asomiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha under the pioneering leadership of Lakshminath Bezbaruah.

“How can we forget that one of the most revered figures of Assam Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is equally a household name in Bengal.  Along with Assam and Mumbai, Kolkata was one of the places where the maestro created many of his greatest compositions,” Mr Sonowal said adding that the contributions of Hemanga Biswas to Assamese art and culture are equally significant and inspiring for the Assamese society.