Guwahati: A video posted on the Assam BJP unit’s official X handle on Saturday has triggered widespread outrage. The video allegedly depicts Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma symbolically shooting at Muslims at point-blank range, accompanied by captions such as “point blank shoot.”
Critics say the imagery intensifies an ongoing hate campaign against Bengali-origin Muslims, which they allege is being led by the Chief Minister himself. The post was later deleted.
Rising Falcon, a collective that works against hate speech and hate crimes, condemned the video in a post on its official X account. “This disturbing visual goes beyond symbolism—it actively fuels hatred and normalizes violence against Bengali-origin Muslims.
When such content is amplified by a ruling party’s official handle, it sends a dangerous message and deepens communal polarization,” the group said. It further added, “In any democracy, state power must protect minorities, not target them. Hate-driven propaganda from positions of authority should invite strict accountability, not applause.”
Opposition leaders have also strongly criticised the video. Dr. Shama Mohamed, spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, questioned the Prime Minister’s silence. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, she wrote: “You talk about ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ but your favourite man, Himanta Biswa Sarma, made a video shooting Muslims and got it posted from the official handle of BJP Assam. This is an attack on the Indian Constitution.”
She further expressed concern over the judiciary’s response, stating that she was “shocked that the Supreme Court of India is acting as a mute spectator,” adding that the Court’s failure to take suo motu cognisance “puts its role into question.”
Also Read | Mizoram: Congress seeks CBI probe into alleged IAF land acquisition scam
Related
Latest Stories
