Caravan News
DISPUR – Assam Muslim Autonomous Council Demand Committee, a lesser known organization, has called for a state-wide shutdown today over attacks on them by the communal elements. They have called the shutdown at a time when the Gauhati High Court has issued a blanket ban on bandhs.
The organization has raised several issues as its reasons behind calling for the shutdown. These incidents include the Biswanath incident where a beef seller Shaukat Ali was allegedly beaten up and force-fed pork. They also pointed to some controversial statements made by legislator Prasanta Phukan and the various inflammatory comments made by BJP legislator of Hojai Shiladitya Dev in recent times.
The organization leadership addressed the media announcing their decision to call for the bandh at the Dispur Press Club in Guwahati on Monday. The press interaction was addressed by former legislator and the president of the organization Rashidul Hoque Bahadur.
Hoque held the BJP and its parent organisation RSS responsible for the incidents happened with Shaukat Ali.
“The BJP has failed to rein in Shiladitya Dev because of which the Biswanath incident took place. We believe RSS and BJP are involved in the heinous incident,” Hoque said.
Hoque Bahadur also expressed apprehension that the saffron brigade might unleash a reign of terror over the Muslim population if the BJP does not fair well the parliamentary elections after the results in May 23 next.
Hoque further alleged that the recent statement from Prasanta Phukan is an indication to this very fact. He further urged the State Government to take serious note of this and in this regard the bandh call has been made.
