Bir Lachit Sena says arrested youths not members; questions move to ban the organization

The Bir Lachit Sena, Assam on October 27 held a press conference in Guwahati to respond to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks regarding the possible ban on the organisation. 

The press meet was addressed by Central Chief Secretary Rantu Paniphukan, who dismissed the allegations linking the group to abduction and extortion cases.

Paniphukan clarified that the youths arrested by police were not members of Bir Lachit Sena, Assam. “About a month ago, the organisation had already relieved Nitu Asom, the person in question, from all responsibilities. The individual being referred to was never officially associated with the Sena. In fact, his photographs are seen only with BJP leaders and ministers,” he said.

Reacting to the Chief Minister’s comments, Paniphukan questioned the government’s intentions behind the move to ban the group. “At a time when the people of Assam are unitedly demanding justice for Zubeen Garg, attempts are being made to silence Bir Lachit Sena. What act have we committed that disrespects law and order or threatens the nation’s integrity?” he asked.

He recalled that there was a time when the Chief Minister himself had acknowledged that Bir Lachit Sena should be encouraged to move forward. “The government may ban Bir Lachit Sena, but it cannot ban the spirit of Lachit Borphukan,” Paniphukan asserted.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Bikash Asom, Paniphukan said any remarks made by him on podcasts or YouTube channels were not official statements of Bir Lachit Sena. “If Bikash Asom has made any inappropriate or distasteful comments, the people of Assam will judge him. A probe committee has already been formed against him and another member named in the police FIR,” he informed.

Reaffirming the organisation’s stand, Paniphukan said that Bir Lachit Sena has always worked for the interests of Assam and the Assamese people, and should not be misrepresented based on the actions or statements of a few individuals.