GUWAHATI, Oct. 27: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday issued a stern warning against Bir Lachit Sena amid allegations of the outfit’s members indulging in unlawful activities such as intimidation, extortion and creating disorder across the state.
Speaking to mediapersons here, the chief minister said the state government is closely monitoring recent activities of the organisation and “would not hesitate to impose a ban on the outfit if it continued to indulge in alleged unlawful activities.”
The chief minister’s warning came after city police on Sunday night arrested eight persons allegedly connected to a kidnapping/extortion case and with suspected links to Bir Lachit Sena.
Founded in 2010 and becoming notably active since 2019, Bir Lachit Sena claims to be an organisation based on “pro-Assamese ideology.”
Taking to social media, Sarma said, “Let it be clear — Assam will not be held hostage by anyone acting outside the law. I have instructed the DGP, Assam Police to clamp down firmly on the so-called Lachit Sena. Law and order will be upheld without compromise.”
The chief minister also stated that he would personally review the situation with all SSPs of Assam Police on Monday evening.
Sarma even said that certain individuals linked to the organisation were under the scanner of law enforcement and that the state government would take stringent action against elements that disrupt peace and harmony in the state.
Bir Lachit Sena has reportedly been accused of coercing individuals and businesses into making “donations” on the pretext of cultural or social initiatives.
