The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has demanded strict action over an alleged attack on a Bihu troupe in Sribhumi, claiming that performers were beaten while presenting Assamese Bihu songs and that a dhol was smashed into pieces.
AASU described the incident as “unforgivable” and questioned whether the government had taken note of what it called an affront to Assamese identity in Sribhumi, the district formerly known as Karimganj.
The organisation said its Cachar, Sribhumi and Hailakandi district units had contacted members of the Bihu troupe. It plans to submit a memorandum to the Sribhumi commissioner the following day, demanding stringent punishment for those responsible, and will also stage a protest.
AASU alleged that women accompanying the troupe were humiliated and that police intervention helped the group escape. It further alleged that people detained by police in connection with the incident were released during the night. The allegations could not be independently verified from the material available.
The students’ body sought the Chief Minister’s immediate intervention and a punitive action that would deter similar incidents. It also questioned the silence of the Chief Minister and senior Assam government leaders over the matter.
AASU said Assam’s communities and religious groups should live together harmoniously, while maintaining that attacks on people performing Assamese music in the state could not be accepted. The next immediate development will be the planned memorandum and protest before the Sribhumi commissioner.
