TMC youth leader condemn Assam CM’s statement, says legal action should be taken against leaders who incite violence and hatred

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 16, 2023

TMC youth leader Richard Marak on Saturday strongly condemned the recent statements made by the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma which he termed as highly discriminatory and divisive.

“His (Himanta) comments have been targeted towards a particular community and are based on stereotypes and misinformation. The statements made by the CM are not only insensitive but also reflect a lack of knowledge and understanding of the community in question. His statements are not based on facts and are a product of his own biases,” Marak said in a statement.

He said the Assam CM’s statement that vegetable prices are higher because of “Miya” people is completely baseless and discriminatory.

“In reality, the prices of vegetables are determined by market forces and are not influenced by the ethnicity of the seller. The statement that most vegetable sellers are “Miya” people is not supported by any data and is purely based on personal biases. It is important to note that the term “Miya” is considered a derogatory term and is used to describe Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam,” he said adding “The CM’s statement that “Assamese youths” should drive away “Miya” vegetable sellers is highly inflammatory and could lead to communal tensions. The CM’s comments about the community in question are harmful and create an environment of fear and mistrust.”

He said that the community in question has been an integral part of Assam’s culture and heritage for centuries and they have contributed to the state’s development and have played a crucial role in its progress. “Such statements are not only harmful but also create an environment of fear and mistrust. This is a slippery slope that can lead to further division and conflict.”

Marak said that legal action should be taken against leaders who incite violence and hatred against any particular community.

“It is the responsibility of the judiciary to ensure that such leaders are held accountable. Discrimination against any community is like a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our society. It is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy and humanity,” he added.