HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 27: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday issued a strong warning to the Veer Lachit Sena, signalling that the Assam government is seriously contemplating a ban on the organisation following multiple allegations of extortion, intimidation, and public disturbance across the state.
Speaking to reporters here, Sarma said the outfit has been misusing the banner of cultural activities and donation drives to create unrest and even cause environmental damage.
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”Veer Lachit Sena has been disturbing the social atmosphere in the name of cultural events. If necessary, we will not hesitate to impose a ban—just like we did in the case of ULFA(I),” the Chief Minister cautioned.
Though he refrained from naming anyone, Sarma hinted that several individuals linked to the outfit are already under the police scanner.
“I am not taking any names, but action will definitely follow,” he stated firmly, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward lawlessness.
The remarks come a day after a shocking kidnapping incident in Guwahati’s Borbari area on Sunday night, allegedly involving individuals associated with Veer Lachit Sena.
According to police, Rahul Mishra was abducted around 9:30 PM from outside Pratikshya Hospital by a group of 10–15 unidentified men. His friend, Ershad Khan of Goalpara, immediately alerted Dispur Police, leading to a swift rescue operation.
Mishra was later found confined inside two vehicles—a Hyundai i20 (AS01 EM 0718) and a Bolero (AS23 Q 3566)—at Tribeni Path. Police arrested six suspects on the spot and nabbed two more later during follow-up raids. Preliminary interrogation has pointed to possible links with Veer Lachit Sena members, though officials have not yet confirmed direct organisational involvement.
Sources in the Home Department said the government has taken serious note of the outfit’s alleged involvement in repeated incidents of intimidation and forced “donation” collection from local businesses and individuals. Reports of similar extortion activities under the guise of cultural initiatives have surfaced in various districts in recent months.
Senior police officers confirmed that intelligence and surveillance operations have been stepped up in Guwahati and neighbouring areas to track those connected with such groups.
Reiterating his government’s firm stance, CM Sarma declared, “No individual or organisation will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. We will ensure that peace and harmony in Assam are not disturbed under any pretext.”
