Case against author for displaying Assamese icon in poor light: CM

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said he had directed the authorities to file a criminal case against the author of a book criticizing medieval Sunni scholar Srimanta Sankardeva in the state. Known as an icon.

The issue was raised by Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia during the recess in the Assam Assembly and demanded a ban on two books critical of Sankardeva. The author of a book is already dead.

“Please ban anti-Sankardeva books in the interest of the Assamese community. These two books have questioned the ideology of Srimanta Sankardeva ,” the Congress member said.

Responding to the demand, Sarma, who also owns a home portfolio, told the House that the writings of the two books could not diminish Sankardeva’s famous stature.

“I have already directed (the officers) to file a case under section 153 of the IPC (provocation with intent to create disorder),” he added.

The Chief Minister told the House that the Assam government could not ban any book as it did not have the authority to do so.

Srimanta Sankardeva is an Assamese saint scholar, socio-religious reformer, poet, playwright and a prominent figure in the cultural and religious history of 15th-16th century Assam.