England's iconic Arsenal FC stands in solidarity with Assam flood victims

Guwahati: At a time when allegations are being leveled against national Indian media platforms for turning a blind eye towards the plight of Assam, across the oceans, thousands of miles away, the iconic Arsenal football team has signified that it stands with Assam through a strong symbolic message.

The 'Gunners' in a post on their official Instagram account shared a simple message that sent its fans in Assam into raptures of celebrations. A short clip, signifying that Arsenal stands with Assam, was shared on the profile along with the caption "stay strong, Assam."

The clip alternates between the words "we are with you" and "ami asu apunalukor logot", the latter the Assamese interpretation of the former message.

Arsenal's stand of rooting for Assam at a time when the state is battling the dual challenges of floods and coronavirus could not have come at a more opportune time.

Fans, who were initially sent into a tizzy after seeing the iconic English club flash a message of solidarity in the Assamese tongue, has now said that Arsenal seems to be more concerned about Assam than other regions in the same country, India.

"Proud to be a Gunner. I'm from Assam. No one speaking about flood at least you cared. Thank you so much!", wrote one Instagram user, while another said, "While the indian mainstream media neglects us, a Football club from London, UK is showing their support."

The floods this year have taken a heavy toll on Assam this year and leftover 39 lakh people (which is 1/10th of the state's population) reeling due to the deluge. At the same time, 49,313 people have been rendered homeless due to the havoc of the floods and are taking shelter in relief camps.

Floodwater has also seeped into the Kaziranga National Park, where 99 camps have been affected and 6 camps have been vacated altogether. At least 76 animals in the national park – including several rhinos – have been killed in this spate of floods. With 4 more deaths on Thursday, the death toll due to floods in Assam this year has risen to 71.

Add to that the double whammy of the COVID-19 (over 20,000 cases and counting), and Assam truly has a fight on its hands.

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