Assam minister Pijush Hazarika has clarified that the recent incident involving alleged collection of Rs 110 per household from villages in the Uriamghat area along the inter-state border was the handiwork of a few identified miscreants. He stated that it should not be linked to the Naga community or the Government of Nagaland. Hazarika made this statement in the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday while replying to a notice under Rule 54 raised by MLA Nurul Huda.
According to a report submitted by the SP (border), Golaghat, two individuals from Hukai Basti under Niuland district of Nagaland visited Rajapukhuri villages under Uriamghat police station on June 23. They handed over letters to the village headmen directing them to collect Rs 110 from every household. The letters purportedly sought house tax and census tax in the name of outfits such as NSCN/GPRN (Nikki).
Hazarika emphasized that it would be unfair and inappropriate to hold an entire community responsible for the unlawful acts of a handful of anti-social elements. He urged everyone to exercise restraint and avoid making generalisations that could adversely affect the long-standing cordial relations between the people of Assam and Nagaland.
The minister informed the House that the identities of the two accused have already been established and that they are currently absconding. He stated that the matter has been communicated to the CRPF, neutral forces and the border magistrate, Sarupathar. Police and security forces have intensified search operations, patrolling and surveillance in the border areas to apprehend the accused and prevent any untoward incident.
As per the latest report, no information has been received indicating that any money was actually collected from the villagers. The law-and-order situation in the area remains peaceful and under close monitoring by the police. Hazarika reaffirmed the commitment of the state government towards the safety and security of people residing in border areas, stating that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
