A bizarre incident in Sarupathar, Golaghat district of Assam, has sparked widespread controversy after the local administration issued a show-cause notice to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader for distributing relief materials to flood-affected people. Jiban Chutia, a local businessman and BJP worker, has come under scrutiny for his humanitarian efforts to provide aid to victims of the recent floods caused by the Dhansiri River in Sarupathar.
According to the notice issued by the Sarupathar Revenue Circle Officer, on January 6, Chutia distributed relief materials at a flood relief camp set up at Shimlu Chapari Primary School without prior permission. The administration has demanded an explanation from him within three days, questioning why he provided aid without official approval. This unprecedented action has triggered sharp reactions across the state, including within the BJP.
Khuntai MLA and BJP leader Mrinal Saikia expressed strong disapproval of the administration’s move through a social media post on Wednesday night. He stated, “A strange incident has occurred in Sarupathar. Jiban Chutia, a socially conscious individual, distributed relief materials at a flood relief camp on his initiative and has faced the wrath of the administration for it. He has even been served a show-cause notice for helping people. How can aiding destitute people be considered an act against the administration? Who could think of such a thing?” Saikia’s comments have fueled widespread discussion on social media, with many criticizing the administration’s decision.
In Assam, where floods wreak havoc every year, providing relief to affected communities, whether individually or collectively, is widely regarded as a humanitarian duty. The administration’s action has raised concerns about discouraging such efforts, with many questioning the necessity of prior permission for distributing flood relief. The incident has left the public stunned and has sparked fears that well-meaning individuals may hesitate to offer aid in the future due to potential legal repercussions.
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Jiban Chutia has so far refrained from commenting publicly on the issue. However, the incident has created ripples within the BJP, with Saikia’s remarks hinting at possible internal disagreements. The controversy is likely to intensify political discussions in the state.
The administration has not yet provided any clarification on the matter, leaving many to wonder about the rationale behind penalizing a humanitarian act. As the debate continues, this incident has raised critical questions about the balance between bureaucratic protocols and the urgent need to support flood-affected communities in Assam.
