Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has defended the shoot-at-sight order issued in Dhubri, claiming that a “huge conspiracy” has been going on against the state since independence and it will take time to eliminate such ploys.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the government for issuing the order to control communal tension in Dhubri town.
Speaking to reporters after an official function as reported by PTI , Sarma said police have arrested the person accused of writing objectionable content on walls in Dhubri town, and that interrogation is currently underway.
“We have already taken action. Assam is a critical state. People won’t stop indulging in anti-national activities just because I issued a warning. This is part of a larger conspiracy that has roots going back to the days of independence,” Sarma said.
“So, it won’t end with just a warning. It’s not that simple. It requires sustained effort, and we must continue working on it,” he said when asked about the outcome of the stringent order.
Earlier , Sarma had said 38 people were arrested in Dhubri, where shoot-at-sight was ordered following communal tensions.
The opposition criticised the CM’s order and said throwing of suspected beef and the follow-up clash expose intelligence failure of the BJP-led government.
“This entire episode shows the failure of the Home Department. Why was there no intelligence input? The government has failed to protect the sanctity of our religious places,” Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi said.
