Assam Congress Demands Action against Foreigners Tribunal Member for "Objectionable" Comment on Minority Community

Guwahati, April 17, 2020:

Senior leaders of the Assam Congress party on April 17 requested the Government to take punitive action against the Foreigners Tribunal judge who made a "highly objectionable" comment in a letter to the Health Minister of Assam.

Leader of the Assam Congress Legislature Party (ACLP), Debabrata Saikia, its Chief Whip, Wazed Ali Choudhury and Member, Shri Sherman Ali Ahmed today met the Chief Secretary of Assam, Kumar Sanjay Krishna, at his office to bring attention to the issue.

[In the note undersigned by the official, which he sent of behalf of the members, attached members, and staffs of the foreigners tribunal of Assam, Gupta wrote, “Our only prayer is that the help may not be extended to the members of Violators Tablighi Jamaat, Jehadi and Jahil. Kindly accept our donations as above for saving the humanity from the clutches of COVID-19 pandemic.” Interestingly, Gupta himself donated a sum of Rs 5,000]

Pointing out that many reports have been received that those stranded in other districts within Assam are not getting adequate relief materials, the leaders also called for provision of adequate relief, shelter and other assistance to the labourers, students and patients from Assam who are stranded in various other states as well as in districts within Assam, away from their home districts.

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The ACLP delegation also requested the Government to consider allowing those stranded within Assam to return to their homes some time after April 20 under proper healthcare safeguards.

Furthermore, they requested for impartation of proper training regarding safety measures at the village ward level before allowing the farmers and tea garden workers to resume work.

The delegation requested the setting up of community kitchens at various places in view of complaints about some anomalies in distribution of financial aid of Rs. 1000 each to those who do not possess food security cards.

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The delegation asked the Government to consider conducting more Covid-19 tests in the state, so that the morale of the people can be boosted to resume normal productive activities after April 20, when several of the lockdown rules will be relaxed. The Congress leaders also urged the Government to provide relief and a financial package to those small business operators and tradesmen who have suffered heavy losses due to the lockdown.

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