Assam CM Urges De-politicization of Marwari Apology Over Teen's Assault

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged citizens not to politicize the public apology made by Marwaris for an alleged assault on a 17-year-old girl. The apology followed protests by social and political groups against 'non-Assamese' business owners. The government emphasizes the importance of addressing violence against women.

ASSAM - In a recent development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a public appeal urging citizens not to politicize the apology extended by the Marwari community for an alleged assault on a 17-year-old girl. The incident, which took place on August 13, involved a businessman from the Marwari community and led to widespread protests by social and political organizations against 'non-Assamese' business owners in Sivasagar district.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu facilitated a meeting where Marwari community leaders sought public forgiveness by following traditional Assamese customs, such as kneeling and offering 'paan-tamul' (betel leaves and areca nut). 'The people of Sivasagar, multiple organizations, and the community rose in protest against the incident, with a focus on maintaining the honor of the assaulted girl,' Sarma commented.

The Chief Minister emphasized that crime against women should never be tolerated, irrespective of the involvement of community or outsiders. He further pointed out that recent protests demanded legislative actions to protect land rights, employment, and language of indigenous people while ensuring local youth employment in businesses owned by 'non-Assamese' people.