HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 7: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said he has discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah the increasing activities of fundamentalist elements in Assam ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, while warning that the evolving situation in neighbouring Bangladesh could have serious security implications for the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function at Dhakuakhana, Sarma said that after nearly four-and-a-half years of relative peace in Assam, there has been a sudden surge in the activities of fundamental forces.
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“A big conspiracy is going on in Assam. I spoke to the Union Home Minister yesterday. Assam remained peaceful for the last four-and-a-half years, but suddenly fundamental forces have become active,” he said, urging people to maintain unity and peace until the elections are over.
The Chief Minister said security forces have apprehended several people entering Assam from Bangladesh in recent times, adding that the situation across the international border cannot be viewed in isolation.
He expressed concern over reports of increasing violence and harassment of Hindus in Bangladesh, stating that such developments could have a direct impact on Assam due to its sensitive geographical and geopolitical location.
“Whatever is happening in Bangladesh is a matter of serious concern. Torture and harassment of Hindus are reportedly increasing, and this could have implications for Assam as well. We must remain cautious and vigilant till the elections,” Sarma said.
He also appealed for unity and calm, stressing that peace at the grassroots level is crucial during this sensitive period.
Referring to recent political and social developments in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said incidents of mob violence and targeted attacks on minority communities have intensified in the past few weeks.
He said the Assam government and security agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any spillover effects.
At the same time, he emphasised the need to extend moral support and reassurance to the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Highlighting internal security concerns, Sarma said extremist elements have existed in Assam for years and continue to pose a threat.
“There is no denying that jihadi elements have been present in Assam. We have received evidence of this repeatedly. Some of them may still be operating as sleeper cells,” he said.
In December last year, police arrested 11 people in Assam and Tripura for their alleged links with Bangladesh-based fundamentalist groups that were reportedly aiming to destabilise the Northeast. Sarma said such incidents underline the need for sustained vigilance, strong intelligence gathering and proactive security measures.
According to the 2022 census, Bangladesh has around 13.13 million Hindus, constituting nearly eight per cent of its population.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Assam’s strategic location makes it particularly vulnerable to cross-border and internal security challenges, and maintaining peace and stability remains a top priority for the state government. (With inputs from PTI)
