From Our Correspondent
TURA, March 7: The Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) has written to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressing concern over the safety of indigenous traders from Garo Hills operating in Assam’s border districts.
In a letter sent on Saturday, the ASPF highlighted growing hostility towards the Garo community in South Salmara, Dhubri, and Goalpara districts. ASPF general secretary Bernita Marak cited reports of vegetable vendors in Mankachar having their goods damaged by unruly groups, with similar incidents reported in Krishnai, Goalpara.
The organisation noted that vendors face frequent obstruction and confiscation of goods in areas including Hatsingimari, Lakhipur, and Rongsai. The letter also flagged the circulation of social media videos spreading misinformation to incite communal strife. One such video reportedly showed individuals demanding a Rs 20,000 “entry fee” for Garo traders while using abusive language against the community.
“We urge your office to implement measures to enhance the safety of individuals from Meghalaya while they are in Assam,” Marak stated.
The ASPF proposed several measures to address the situation, including the establishment of a dedicated helpline for reporting incidents, increased security presence in border markets, and strict action against those using social media to spread hate speech and misinformation.
