Bir Lachit Sena leader threatens stir if arrested members not released; expels Bikash Asom

Bir Lachit Sena’s leader, Shrinkhal Chaliha, held a press conference at his residence in Sivasagar on October 27, a day after the arrest of the organisation’s Central Chief Secretary, Rantu Paniphukan, by Guwahati Police during a media briefing in the city.

Chaliha strongly criticised the police action and questioned the rationale behind the arrests of Rantu Paniphukan, Utpal Asom, and Tanmoy Phukan. 
He warned that if the arrested members were not released immediately, the organisation would launch an intense, state-wide agitation from tomorrow.

Referring to the controversy surrounding Bikash Asom, Chaliha announced that all allegations against him were being taken seriously. 

“Bikash Asom has been relieved from all responsibilities and primary membership of Bir Lachit Sena until further notice,” he declared.

Chaliha also questioned the police for implicating some members of the organisation in a robbery case, stating, “The authorities must prove whether those arrested are indeed members of Bir Lachit Sena. If any are found guilty, we will not oppose lawful action—but false charges will not be tolerated.”

Also Read: Bikash Axom expelled from Bir Lachit Sena; currently absconding

Accusing the government of attempting to weaken the organisation, Chaliha alleged that the move to suppress Bir Lachit Sena was politically motivated. “If the government continues to target our organisation, it will only embolden illegal migrants and anti-Assamese forces. Many fear Bir Lachit Sena because we stand firmly for the rights of Assam and the Assamese people,” he said.

Expressing anger toward certain sections of the media, Chaliha remarked, “Some media houses have declared us guilty without trial, but when we are proven innocent, they remain silent.”

He further claimed that both ruling and opposition political forces fear Bir Lachit Sena because it is not beholden to any community or political interest. “Some parties are committed to Bengalis, some to Miyas, and some to businessmen—but Bir Lachit Sena is committed only to Assam and the Assamese,” he asserted.

Chaliha described the current situation as part of a larger “political conspiracy” against the organisation. “A Mahabharata has begun in Assam, but the ‘Shakuni’ is yet to be identified,” he said, adding that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent statements were contradictory. “Just days ago, the Chief Minister said every soldier of Bir Lachit Sena carries the blood of Lachit Borphukan, and now he talks about banning us. He must answer for this double standard.”

Chaliha concluded the press meet by warning that if the arrested leaders were not released by tomorrow, Bir Lachit Sena would take to the streets in protest.