Guwahati, August 24 — The Assam Congress has called for a comprehensive white paper from the state government, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the State Women’s Commission, detailing the crimes against women over the past decade, including conviction rates and preventive measures. The demand comes amid growing concerns over the state’s law and order situation, particularly concerning women’s safety.
At a press conference, Bobbeeta Sharma, Vice-President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), criticized the current administration for its perceived failure to curb crimes against women. She highlighted the increase in such incidents over the last ten years, noting that the Congress has consistently raised these issues. “We have protested on the streets, and as a society, we are ashamed of these crimes. The government’s inaction raises serious questions about its commitment to ensuring women’s safety,” Sharma stated.
Ratul Kalita, Chairman of the Pradesh Congress’s Social Media & IT Department, presented data to underscore the failures of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government. According to Kalita, from 2016 to February 2023, Assam registered a staggering 12,726 rape cases—an average of five per day. Additionally, 1,70,174 cases of crimes against women were recorded, including 39,075 kidnappings, 8,358 murders, and 18,764 suicides.
Senior APCC spokesperson Barnali Phukan condemned the rising violence against women, pointing out that 23 incidents have been reported in just the past month and a half. She criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his handling of the issue, accusing him of attempting to politicize such crimes. Phukan also questioned the BJP’s moral stance, citing the unsolved case of a 13-year-old rape victim involving a BJP leader. “BJP demanded the resignation of leaders in other states over similar incidents. Will they now demand the resignation of Assam’s CM?” Phukan asked.
Phukan further urged Assam police to ensure that innocent people are not targeted in the name of encounters, warning against the potential misuse of such measures. “BJP is a curse to women,” she concluded, calling for greater accountability and action from the state government.
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