Modi remaining mum on intolerance is dictatorship: APCC

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 30: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has said that Prime Minister Nerendra Modi remaining mum on a section of writers and historians returning their awards as a mark of protest against, what they said, religious intolerance does not augur well for the tion.

In a statement issued to the press today, APCC vice president Ripun Bora said: "So far 42 writers and 53 historians have returned their respective awards which they received from the government. And of late, renowned scientist PK Bhargab has decided to return his Padmashree award. However, the Prime Minister is quite silent on the issue. As the Prime Minister, he is accountable. The apathy on his part is nothing but dictatorship." According to Bora, a few comments made by some BJP MPs recently like 'those who aren't supporting Modi and those who eat beef should go to Pakistan' are 'unfortute'. "This is sheer violation of the Constitution of a secular country," he said, and added: "Though such things fall on Modi's deaf ears, history stands witness to commul flare-ups in Gujarat because of such a mind set. India is heading for a dangerous course." Bora further said: "In Assam also, the BJP-RSS duo is out to polarize the voters in the 2016 Assembly elections in the State by creating commul flare-ups. We appeal to the people of the State to be aware of the commul forces."