Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon: A pall of dismay has fallen over Abhayapuri in the Bongaigaon district following a disturbing act of vandalism targeting a Bihu celebration venue. Unidentified miscreants struck the New Deohati Rongali Bihu Sanmilan, leaving behind a trail of destruction and igniting strong condemnation from the local populace.
The incident unfolded at the very site where preparations were in full swing for the much-anticipated three-day Rongali Bihu festival, slated to commence on April 14th and continue until the 16th. The Sanmilan was envisioned as a vibrant display of Assamese culture and communal harmony, with intricately crafted decorative gateways, traditional japis, and symbolic gamosas meticulously placed to welcome attendees.
However, under the cloak of darkness, the festive ambiance was shattered as the miscreants targeted the main entrance gate. Decorations were torn down, and symbols deeply revered as emblems of Assamese identity, the japi and the gamosa, were desecrated. This act of sacrilege has profoundly wounded the collective sentiments of the villagers.
As dawn broke, a wave of collective anger and protest swept through the village. Men and women alike converged at the ravaged site, their voices united in condemnation of the vandalism and their demand for immediate action. They urged the authorities to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible for the disrespectful act.
“This is not merely damage to inanimate objects; it is a direct assault on our cherished culture and our inherent pride,” asserted a spokesperson for the Bihu organizing committee, their voice resonating with the sentiments of the community. “Such blatant disrespect for our traditions will not be countenanced.”
Responding to the distress call, the Abhayapuri Police promptly arrived at the scene and have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The Bihu Sanmilan organizing committee has formally registered a complaint at the Abhayapuri Police Station, seeking justice for the desecration.
As the village grapples with the aftermath of this unsettling event, local residents have passionately appealed to the authorities to ensure the safety and sanctity of their cultural events. They have emphasized the paramount importance of preserving cultural heritage and ensuring that such acts of disrespect are met with appropriate consequences.
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