Assam: Call for communal harmony in Sivasagar; Citizens’ meet on Aug 8

OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR: In light of recent developments affecting the socio-communal atmosphere of Sivasagar, three organizations representing indigenous Muslim communities have jointly appealed to all residents of Assam to uphold peace, harmony, and brotherhood.

In a joint press release, Ujoni Axom Muslim Kalyan Parishad, Sadou Axom Moria Yuba Chatra Santha, and the Ujoni Axom Tholuwa Muslim Parishad — led respectively by Monirul Islam Bora, Asadur Rahman, and Forid Islam Hazarika—have expressed concern over attempts by certain “disruptive forces” to incite communal discord in the district.

“We have observed that in recent times, some elements are continuously trying to disturb the communal fabric of Sivasagar, threatening the district’s long-standing tradition of harmony and mutual respect,” they stated. The organizations urged all indigenous Muslim citizens and residents of Sivasagar to remain calm and resilient in the face of provocation.

Calling for collective restraint, they warned against reacting to provocative social media content and urged people to ignore misleading or communal narratives. “We must counter such attempts to divide society with patience and solidarity,” the leaders stated, adding that they firmly believe that peace-loving citizens will be able to defeat these divisive forces and preserve the unity of the greater Assamese community.

Additionally, the organizations have called upon all suspected outsiders currently employed as labourers across eight districts of Upper Assam, including Sivasagar, to leave the region within the next three days. The groups have also requested the indigenous Muslim population not to provide shelter to any such individuals, asserting that this move is essential to maintain communal integrity.

Meanwhile, in a move to reinforce unity and safeguard the cultural heritage of Sivasagar, a citizens’ meeting has been convened at Sivasagar Yuvadal on August 8 at 11 a.m. All conscious citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, as well as representatives of various organizations, have been invited to attend the meeting.

Senior journalist Ananta Smith, commenting on the initiative, remarked, “Sivasagar belongs to all of us, and we all belong to Sivasagar. The direction of our society should not be dictated by a handful of people. It is time for the citizens of Sivasagar to take a stand. This is a moment for unity across all communities, to ensure that the dignity and legacy of historic Sivasagar remain intact.”

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