Assam govt urged to root out jihadi elements

GUWAHATI: The leading organisation of Indigenous Assamese Muslims, Sadou Asom Goria-Moria-Deshi Jatiya Parishad, staged protest demonstrations in several parts of the state on Saturday, demanding uprooting of jihadi elements from Assam with their tentacles. The organisation also demanded strict action against 'jihadi supporters', who allegedly threatened noted lawyer Nekibur Zaman for voicing against Jehadis in the backdrop of multiple arrests made in Assam with alleged links with a Bangladesh-based terror outfit.

In Guwahati, members of the organisation staged a protest holding placards in front of its headquarters in the city.

"We demand that the Assam government undertakes stringent measures so that no one with Jihadi links can escape. Such activities of fundamentalist groups which threaten age-old harmony in the greater Assamese community must be crushed," said joint general secretary of the organization, Sahid Ali Ahmed.

Speaking to TOI, Zaman said he received the first message on WhatsApp earlier this week, where some communal and destructive words were used, targeting him. "After I blocked the number, another message was received on my phone within five to 10 minutes. They questioned why I had blocked the number after receiving the first message. The second one was a direct threat and warned me that they won't spare me," said Zaman, adding that an FIR has been lodged at the Bhangagarh police station here.