SAKP flouting All India Services (Conduct) Rules, alleges ACKHSA

A correspondent

Silchar, June 2: Advisor of the central committee of All Cachar-Karimganj-Hailakandi Students Association (ACKHSA), Rupam Nandi Purkayastha has questioned the Sadou Axam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) for extending its support to the All Assam Students Union (AASU) over the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The All Assam Students Union (AASU) is being supported by a number of organizations of the State in protest against the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. A mass hunger strike was also carried out against the Bill by AASU, which was joined by representatives of various political parties, organizations, intellectuals, artistes, former rebels, writers and journalists.

"This is fine for political parties and other organizations to plunge into such activities. But how can government employees or staff are allowed to carry out such activities?

This question was raised by Rupam Nandi Purkayastha at a press meet held in the town on Saturday.

Purkayastha said "Sadou Axam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) has also lent its support to AASU. The All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, prohibits criticism of government on any ground. Despite knowing this, the government of Assam, it seems, has assumed the role of a silent spectator only. Will AASU rule Assam and dictate terms?"

The law states that no member of the service shall, in any radio broadcast or communication over any public media or in any document published anonymously, pseudonymously or in his own name or in the name of any other person or in any communication to the press or in any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion, which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or a State Government; or which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and any State Government; or which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any Foreign State'.

He said, "It is a sign of an ill omen. We know that government is paying heed to the president of SAKP Basab Kalita more or else they could not have dared to protest or even say anything in favour of the Bill. It is unconstitutional. Political parties and its representatives are there to discuss government's policies, bills, acts and laws. Government employees have no right to criticize the government. It is absurd. We urge the government to produce a proper explanation on this."

Rupam Nandi also laid stress on the need of removing Justice Ranjan Gogoi from the two judge bench which has been formed to update NRC. He said, "We appreciate Pradip Dutta Roy, senior most advocate of Gauhati High Court, who has raised question about it. Ranjan Gogoi is a bonafide resident of Assam. He is also a voter of the State and comes under the purview of NRC process like any other residents of Assam. He is also an applicant in the update of NRC along with the members of his family."

Advisor of ACKHSA Prof Niranjan Dutta emphasized the need of a mass movement against such activities.