“No one can intimidate Himanta Biswa Sarma”: Assam CM warns striking NHM workers, says govt not afraid of blackmail

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 13 issued a stern warning to the National Health Mission (NHM) employees, declaring that the government would not tolerate “blackmailing tactics” under any circumstances.

Speaking to reporters, Sarma said, “Blackmailing by NHM will not be tolerated. The government is not afraid of blackmail. This is my clear warning to all NHM employees.”

Expressing strong disappointment over the boycott of health camps by NHM workers, the Chief Minister said, “Our government only discusses matters after the protest. If the protest continues, that means the issue is bigger. But the way NHM workers refused to conduct health camps is unacceptable. They take salaries to serve patients, yet they chose to boycott camps meant for the people.”

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He criticised the protest, saying that those who failed to conduct health camps had wronged patients, especially children with cerebral palsy, cancer patients, and people with disabilities. “They must apologise for depriving the patients. Anyone who boycotts health camps is not eligible to work under NHM,” Sarma asserted.

The Chief Minister further said, “If anyone thinks they can intimidate Himanta Biswa Sarma into doing their bidding, they are wrong. This government is not afraid of blackmail. Thousands of doctors and nurses are waiting for opportunities — even if we pay less, they are ready to join.”

Sarma’s comments come amid ongoing protests by NHM workers demanding fulfilment of their service-related grievances.