GUWAHATI: An Assam MLA is in the eye of the storm for allegedly defending suspects of the recent blast in Burdwan district of West Bengal.
The Assam Police had recently arrested six people from the state’s Barpeta district over their alleged links with Bangladeshi terror outfit Jamat-Ul-Mujahideen. But the arrests had attracted flak from a section of the political class. “Let me assert that there are no jihadi elements in the whole of Barpeta district,” Abdur Rahim Khan of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) claimed.
His assertions have further incensed the Opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the BJP so much that they are now going for his jugular. “He should be arrested immediately. The Tarun Gogoi Government owes an explanation to the people as to why he hasn’t been arrested yet,” said AGP leader Kamala Kalita.
“The government should take action against individuals, no matter how mighty they could be, if they are found to be a threat to national security,” Kalita said.
The BJP also demanded Khan’s arrest. “His statement can harm national integrity. He should not defend suspects without any evidence,” BJP MP K P Tasa, said.
The police have rubbished Khan’s accusation. “Even in 1994, when we arrested 24 people on a single night from different parts of the state in connection with jihadi activities, there were allegations that they were innocent people. But in due course, they admitted to their involvement,” DGP Khagen Sarma told journalists.