The BJP-led government in Assam has registered at least 245 cases of offences against the state, including sedition, since it came to power in 2016, the latest being that against three prominent individuals for their comments during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
In a written reply in Assamese to a question by Leader of Opposition Congress’s Debabrata Saikia, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary informed the state Assembly Monday that a total of 251 cases of ‘deshdrohita’ — offences against the state — were filed against individuals and outfits starting May 2016. In the IPC, Offences Against State include Sections 121, 121A, 122, 123 and 124A (which pertains to sedition).
The main reply mentioned the figure as 251 but the attached annexure showed the repetition of districts Biswanath (5 cases) and Sadiya (1 case). Patowary was answering on behalf of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who holds the Home portfolio.