GUWAHATI: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has opposed the establishment of the Char Chapori Museum in Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati.
"There is no separate identity-and culture in Char Anchal of Assam as most of the people had migrated from Bangladesh. Obviously, in Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakhetra, which is the epitome of Assamese culture, we will not allow any distortion," Sarma posted on Twitter.
He clarified that "Assam government will not allow Miya museum in Kalakshetra."
The statements of Sarma came after Assam Congress MLA Sherman Ali wrote a letter to the Directorate of Museums, Assam to expedite the process of setting up the Museum. The letter was written by the Congress MLA pointing out a reference from 'Recommendation of DRSC on Education, 2021 in its 47th Report on Art and Culture'.
Earlier, A Departmentally Related Standing Committee (DRSC) on Education, 2020-21 in its minutes has stated to Directorate of Museums to "one museum reflecting the culture and heritage of the people living in the Char-Chaporis of Assam shall be established at Shrimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, Guwahati."
The DRSC had 15 members, out of which eight are members of the ruling alliance of AGP and BJP. The other MLAs include: three from Congress and two each from All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF).
As such Himanta Biswa Sarma's objection to the move has been questioned by the opposition Congress as an attempt to raise an issue before the elections.
"The ruling party members were themselves present," Debabrata Saikia, Leader of Opposition (LoP) told media persons.
He highlighted that Char Chapori doesn't mean Miya Civilisation only.
"There are more than 2000 Char areas. Different communities and indigenous people including Nepalis also belong. Yes, in lower Assam, the prevalence is more of Muslims," added Saikia.
He further criticised the issue as an election strategy.
"The statements made are wrong. There are many development works that are needed to be done and those should be given more importance," said Saikia.