Controversy sparks as Muslims portrayed as criminals in Bodoland University’s cultural event
Guwahati: A cultural procession organized by the Department of History at Bodoland University in Kokrajhar, Assam, took a troubling turn when it depicted Muslims in a derogatory manner.
The incident occurred on March 16 during a cultural event meant to celebrate legendary heroes as part of the university's 23rd varsity week and Thulunga Festival. However, a viral video from the event showed two individuals dressed in Muslim attire, with beards and skull caps, their hands bound, being paraded in the procession behind a man purportedly portraying a policeman. In the video, these individuals are depicted being subjected to police brutality. The procession, with students holding banners for the event, can be seen following behind.
The portrayal sparked outrage among students and organizations in the state. Responding to the incident, Jalal Uddin, the central president of the Muslim Student Union of Assam (MSUA), expressed shock and condemned the depiction. He warned of legal action against Bodoland University if the matter was not addressed promptly, stating, "We do not understand why a higher educational institute attempted to portray Muslims as criminals. We condemn the attitude of Bodoland University for such humiliation. The entire community is not responsible for the actions of a few individuals. We will wait for two days. If the university authority does not clarify the issue, we will lodge an FIR against them."
Other student organizations, including the North East Minority Students Union (NEMU), Krishak Shramiak Unnayan Sangram Samiti (KSUSS), Muslim Jatiya Parishad (MJP), and Burman Mandai Students Union (BMSU), also denounced the incident.
The incident highlights concerns about the treatment of Muslims in Assam. Despite comprising about 35% of the state's population, according to the 2011 Indian census, Muslims are reportedly underrepresented in positions of power. The Wire's analysis from January 2024 revealed disparities in political representation, with no Muslim ministers in Assam's Parliament and a lack of Muslim officials in key administrative and judicial positions.
Furthermore, the analysis noted a dearth of Muslim teachers at Bodoland University and highlighted the disproportionate presence of Muslims among undertrials in the state. Additionally, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has faced criticism for alleged hate speech and discriminatory remarks against minorities, including the derogatory labeling of "Miya Muslims" for economic issues in the state.
A cultural procession organized by the #BodolandUniversity (BU) in #Kokrajhar, #Assam mocked #Muslim people portraying them as criminals.
— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) March 18, 2024
A viral video shows two persons dressed in Muslim attire and wearing beards and skull caps with hands tied behind were beaten up by police… pic.twitter.com/BRLTkltiS7
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Man arrested with Rs 2.54-crore heroin in Mumbai
Mumbai (PTI): Police have arrested a man and seized over 500 grams of heroin worth Rs 2.54 crore in the illicit market from him in Mumbai, officials said on Friday.
The police's Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) made the drug seizure in Santacruz in the western suburbs. The operation was conducted by the Kandivali unit of the ANC on Thursday as part of a special crackdown against drug trafficking in the area, they said.
Acting on specific inputs, an ANC team conducted a raid in Santacruz (East) and intercepted a man. During a search, the team recovered 508 grams of high-grade heroin from his possession, an official said.
The seized contraband, a highly addictive, opioid drug derived from morphine, is estimated to be worth Rs 2.54 crore in the international market, he informed.
Following the seizure, a case was registered against the man under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and he was formally placed under arrest in the early hours of Friday.
The police are currently investigating the source of the drug and trying to identify the intended recipients of the consignment, he said.
