GUWAHATI: Senior Congress leader from Assam, Debabrata Saikia, has voiced strong criticism against the state government, raising concerns over environmental degradation, law enforcement, and public safety.
Saikia specifically targeted the recent decision to cut down trees along the GS Road in downtown Guwahati, Assam.
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He questioned how the Assam chief minister could authorize such an action while the Prime Minister is championing environmental protection on the global stage.
“The government is destroying the environment in the name of development,” Saikia said.
He accused both former Assam Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and current Special Secretary MK Yadav, along with the chief minister, of being primarily responsible for the deforestation, despite repeated warnings from the National Green Tribunal.
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According to Saikia, the officials are motivated by the potential for contracts and commissions, a practice he believes must be actively protested.
Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia also addressed recent unrest in Sivasagar, where tensions arose during protests.
He acknowledged the right to protest in a democratic society but cautioned against actions that infringe on citizens’ rights.
Referring to disruptive activities by certain youths from the Marwari community, he criticized the administration’s failure to prevent the escalation of tensions.
“If the government had taken proper steps at that time, there would have been no knee-jerk environment,” Saikia stated, urging for continued peaceful protests without increasing tensions.
He also called for severe punishment for those exploiting the situation for personal gain.
Saikia further expressed concerns about the law and order situation in Assam, particularly regarding the rise in rape cases during the seven years of BJP rule compared to the 15 years under Congress governance.
He questioned how such an increase could occur under a government that advocates for the protection and education of girls.
Saikia criticized the lack of progress in establishing fast-track courts to handle such cases, as promised by the government.
He also raised doubts about the conduct of Assam police, pointing out a series of suspicious incidents where accused individuals have died under controversial circumstances while in police custody.
Saikia warned that such incidents could tarnish the reputation of the Assam police, stating that there is a need for legal reforms and police accountability.