Assam: Goddess Kali idol immersion halted at border gate, BSF action triggers outrage in Sribhumi

A religious ritual turned into a flashpoint of public anger in Assam’s Sribhumi town after the Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly denied permission for the immersion of a Kali idol, forcing a local family to return with the deity late on Monday, January 19 night. The incident, which unfolded on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debate over administrative rigidity at sensitive border zones.

The incident occurred at the designated immersion ghat on the Kushiara River along Kalibari Road—an area that also functions as a customs check-post for legal cross-border trade with Bangladesh. Ironically, while commercial activities continue unhindered at the same location, religious practices by local residents faced an abrupt halt.

According to locals, despite following established rituals and bringing the idol to the immersion site, the BSF refused to open the border gate, citing procedural reasons. With no alternative river or immersion point available in the vicinity capable of accommodating large idols, the family was left with no option but to take the Kali idol back home—an act that devotees described as deeply distressing.

Residents pointed out the apparent contradiction in allowing the export of goods such as oranges and other commodities through the same route, even as religious observances were denied access. The episode has raised uncomfortable questions about the balance between security protocols and the protection of cultural and religious rights in border towns.

Visuals of the stalled immersion quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from across the region. Many users criticised what they described as insensitivity towards religious sentiments, while others called for clear, humane guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.