Assam: Himanta issues show cause notice to minister over ULFA apology

Guwahati: Assam: Himanta issues show cause notice to minister over ULFA apology, Assam Minister for Tea Tribes and Employment Sanjay Kishan has been given a reason by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on May 15 to apologize to the banned organization United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I).

The apology came after the banned outfit issued a statement on May 13 threatening to boycott Sanjay Kishan following remarks made by the organisation’s commander-in-chief Paresh Barua (Paresh Asom) in Nagun.
The incident sparked a row as many people raised questions at the minister’s behest.

Responding to reporters at an official event in Nagon on May 13 about the recent activities of the ULFA-I, the Minister termed the self-proclaimed Commander-in-Chief of the banned organization, Paresh Barwa, a “liar”.

Reacting to the statement, the banned organization sent an e-mail to the media, threatening to ban cushions in Dabrogarh and its home constituency of Tansukia, and demanding an unconditional apology within 24 hours. The cabinet minister called a press conference on May 15 to apologize to the banned organization ULFA-Independent, hours after the organization threatened to boycott it.

Extending the apology, the minister said: “I was studying Gantsov at a school in Nagoon district where a journalist suddenly asked me about Paresh Barwa and ULFA-I activities. Being on a busy schedule, I Never said anything that hurt Barwa Dangoria.
I just said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Humanta Biswa Sarma, if the youth of Assam work for the development of the state, I want to talk about their self-reliance and nothing more. If I have harmed His Excellency Paresh Barua, I have also been harmed, ”Sanjay Kishan told a press conference and immediately sought an unconditional apology as demanded by ULFA-I.

However, many have expressed concern over it, calling it a violation of the Constitution of India as an elected representative.