Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary has questioned Assam Governor Prof. Jagadish Mukhi’s visit to the BTC Secretariat in Kokrajhar amid nationwide lockdown in view of COVID19 pandemic.
In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Mohilary said, “By visiting Kokrajhar today, Hon’ble Governor of Assam @jagdishmukhi has violated the lockdown issued by @HMOIndia.”
“While according to the MHA guidelines on lockdown persons above the age of 65 years of age are advised to stay home, the Governor, who is above the age of 65, not only visited Kokrajhar, but also invited 29 people from socio- political,” Mohilary tweeted.
Stating that the Governor’s visit is a “clear violation of social distancing norms”, Mohilary said: “We request the MHA to define the guidelines clearly and clarify who to be held responsible in case if something goes wrong.”
According to the fresh MHA guidelines on lockdown issued on May 17: “Vulnerable persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, shall stay at home , except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes.”
As per the guidelines a limited number of activities will continue to remain prohibited throughout the country including social, political, cultural and small gatherings and other large congregations and access to religious places/places of worship for the public.
Prof. Mukhi assumed the charges of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) on April 27 invoking Governor’s rule.
After assuming charge, the Assam Governor on Tuesday visited Kokrajhar, the headquarters of the BTC where he held a close door meeting with the administrator, principal secretary, deputy commissioners, SPs in BTAD, heads of security agencies besides representatives of socio-cultural organizations.
Prof. Mukhi asked the administrative officials of the Council to run the BTC administration following the principles – listen, respond and act – and ensure a citizen-friendly governance.
The BPF has voiced against the Governor’s rule in the Council.
The party has also moved the Gauhati High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Governor’s rule.
The matter is currently pending in the court.
