Assam: Congress Chief Apologizes for Disrespecting Mising Community Cloth

GUWAHATI: Bhupen Borah, the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), issued an apology on Tuesday following a controversial incident in which he allegedly disrespected the traditional cloth of the Mising community.

The controversy unfolded on Sunday when the APCC President became embroiled in a major dispute, accused of showing disrespect to the 'Ribi Gaseng,' a revered cloth of the Mising community in Assam.

In his apology, Bhupen Borah stated, "It is our duty to respect and honor the art, culture, customs, and traditions of all communities. I had no intention of hurting the sentiments of the Mising people. I apologize for the mistake I made unknowingly." The incident occurred when Borah inadvertently stepped on the Ribi Gaseng while visiting the residence of a former village headman in Jonai's No-Pam.

Subsequent to the incident coming to light, several individuals and Mising community organizations demanded an apology, prompting Borah to issue the statement.

Earlier, Congress MLA Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam, representing Goalpara East constituency in Assam, is expected to face disciplinary measures in response to his recent comments directed at APCC chief Bhupen Borah. The controversy emerged when Rasheed Alam made remarks that were perceived as critical of Bhupen Borah, the leader of the Assam Congress. While addressing reporters, he appeared to downplay the significance of Bhupen Borah within the party's hierarchy. Also Read - Alleged Breach of RBI Guidelines: Rs 20.3 Crore Fund Funneling Scandal Involving Apex Bank Additionally, Rasheed Alam questioned the role of working president Rana Goswami in the party's operations. These comments followed a directive from the Assam Congress discouraging its members and leaders from participating in the Amrit Kalash program, organised in the state and nationwide at the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The outcome of this internal dispute remains uncertain, with further developments expected to unfold in due course.

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