There is talk that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is preparing to ban Veer Lachit Sena.
Veer Lachit Sena has been in the headlines for a long time in the politics and society of Assam. There is talk that state Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is preparing to ban this organization. He has also recently held a high-level meeting with Superintendents of Police from across the state. Let us know what this organization is? What is its history and stated purpose? Why is the government looking strict about this?
Lachit Barphukan was a commander of the Ahom Empire in the 17th century, who decisively stopped the Mughal army on the Brahmaputra River in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. This war is considered a symbol of cultural-strategic independence of Assam. Lachit's strategy, discipline and loyalty to the motherland are still remembered in Assam as an ideal form of bravery.
His contribution is honored every year by celebrating Lachit Day. Programs on his bravery are organized in educational and cultural institutions. Therefore, when Veer Lachit is added to the name of any organization, it automatically starts communicating with the feeling of Assamese pride.
Veer Lachit Sena emerged as a socio-political pressure group, presenting itself as a protector of Assamese identity, cultural heritage and local interests. It was established in the year 2010. It is clear from the name itself that the organization claims to take inspiration from the legacy of Lachit Barphukan, the bravery icon of Assam. The organization demands protection of Assamese language, folk culture and historical symbols.
Lachit Barphukan was the commander of the Ahom Empire in the 17th century, Veer Lachit Sena considers him as their inspiration.
It also supports local people's primary claim on employment, land rights and resources. The organization is also vocal on issues like illegal immigration, demographic change and cultural insecurity. Sometimes this organization is also recognized for demonstrations, boycott campaigns, and aggressive statements, which are now posing as a challenge to law and order. Its current chief Rantu Pani Phukan was recently arrested by the police during a press conference.
Assam has a long tradition of student and cultural organizations (such as AASU, etc.) which have led large mass movements on questions of identity and identity. In this way, student leader Prafulla Kumar Mahant reached the CM's chair. Veer Lachit Sena has been seen as a relatively new, more vocal and sometimes confrontational voice within the same broader tradition.
Supporters of Veer Lachit Sena call themselves the real protectors of Assamese identity.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has from time to time indicated strictness against any organization that promotes communal polarization, violent mob lynching or parallel moral policing in the state. The discussion of ban on Veer Lachit Sena is said to be related to the following apprehensions.
The government's argument is usually that it is everyone's right to raise their voice on cultural-linguistic identity in a peaceful, lawful manner, but no one is allowed to spread violence, pressure or hatred.
Supporters of Veer Lachit Sena see it as the real protector of Assamese identity. In his view, this organization warns against cultural infiltration and population numerical imbalance. Creates pressure on concrete issues like employment of local youth, education, small business and land security. There is a vocal public voice to ensure the interest of Assamese in government policies. Supporters often say that despite its harsh rhetoric, this organization is an expression of the pain and restlessness of the society, ignoring which will not solve the problems.
The opposition argues that the confrontational style of this organization is a threat to social harmony.
The opposition argues that this organization's harsh, confrontational style is a threat to social harmony. The language of us versus them incites communal tension. The right way to protect Assamese identity is through inclusive policies, education reforms, employment creation and cultural dialogue – not threats or boycotts. The name of a historical hero like Lachit Barphukan must be used responsibly by any organization—Lachit's legacy is one of discipline, strategy and loyalty to the state, not anarchy.
The Constitution of India provides for the right to peaceful assembly, expression and association, but these rights are subject to reasonable restrictions – particularly in the context of public peace, morality and security of the state. To ban any organization, governments generally resort to violence, provocation, extortion, communal incitement, etc. Action is also possible if there are indications of a real threat to security. Any decision to ban is ultimately tested in court and the administration has to present concrete evidence. If there is a ban then the government will have to answer in the court in this case also.
The biggest lesson of Lachit Barphukan is that the motherland is protected through strategy, discipline and public support. His legacy is not about instilling fear, but about instilling confidence. Contemporary issues of Assam - such as illegal immigration, river erosion, floods, tea industry and equitable benefit of resources like oil, gas and coal, educational and health infrastructure, and employment - all these can be solved only through institutional policy making, dialogue and sustainable development. The protection of cultural identity is also sustainable when it adopts an inclusive, democratic and law-abiding path.
