Assam Government Fascists for Curbing Free Speech: Lurinjyoti Gogoi

Guwahati, January 1, 2019:

All Assam Students' Union (AASU) leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi, unloading on the Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP Government in the State for "curbing" free speech, accused it of being a "fascist" regime.

Talking to Inside Northeast on the lines of the Government promising action against 'critical' college professors, Lurin said, "What is it if not fascism? People's democratic voice cannot be suppressed like this!"

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Stating that it is unfair of the Government to impose restrictions on the employees, Lurin stated that teachers and professors are bound to have their own opinions, and have every right to express those.

The AASU leader further accused the ruling regime of attempting to silence dissenting voices through intimidation. "They (the Government) think that people will stop protesting out of fear. However, they are in for a surprise, as that is not going to happen...people are bound to have views. They want to suppress and dominate, they want to arouse fear, shoot down dissenters. However, this has only intensified our resolve, this has only intensified the protests."

Lurin's statement comes in the wake of the Assam Government issuing an order that states that criticism of the Government by those teaching at state-run educational institutions will be met with legal consequences.

The Office of the Director of Higher Education of Assam has issued a notice restricting the teachers and the employees of the department from making any statement of fact or opinion in criticizing the ruling BJP Government or they shall face legal action.

In the notice, undersigned by Director of Higher Education, G Phukan, it was stated, “It is brought to the notice of all concerned that under Rule 7 of the Assam Civil Service (conduct) Rules, 1965, a government servant shall not make any statement of fact or opinion criticising the Government. If the government servant is found criticising the Government, he/she will held responsible for violation of Rule 3 and Rule 7 of Assam Civil Service (conduct) Rules, 1965 which will attract the appropriate provision of the Assam Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964.”

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