A group of people, including members of Hindu Sena, were seen carrying placards as they entered the venue of an event where former Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed was present. They were protesting her statement of allowing “Bangladeshis can stay here (in India)”.

People were seen entering the venue where Syeda and others are present, and some men are seen trying to cover her and other dignitaries as agitators enter the place.

Meanwhile, while addressing the gathering at the event, she said that today “Bangladeshi has become a cuss word”.

“I have the most beautiful experience of Assam…I have been to every nook and corner of Assam. But I was never conscious of the fact that I am a Muslim and a woman…Right now, suddenly, my name is all over India…Bangladeshi has become a cuss word now. It has become a horrendous word now. Even if a few Bangladeshis have come in, sit down and negotiate with them, and escort them back…” she added.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manab Deka on Monday slammed the remarks made by activist Syeda Hameed, alleging that her statements are part of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “agenda of spreading anarchy” in the country. Speaking to ANI, Deka stated that the statement was made by someone who has close ties with the Congress, noting the party’s inability to come to power.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had hit out at the former Planning Commissioner member Syeda Hameed over her remarks, and accused her of legitimising illegal infiltrators in the state. Sarma asserted that Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, and said those sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards.

“People like Syeda Hameed, a close confidant of the Gandhi family, legitimise illegal infiltrators, as they seek to realise Jinnah’s dream of making Assam a part of Pakistan. Today, Assamese identity is on the brink of extinction because of the tacit support of people like her. But we are the sons and daughters of Lachit Barphukan, WE WILL FIGHT till the last drop of our blood to save our State and our identity.” “Let me make it very clear, Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, it is not their land. Anyone sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. Assam is not up for grabs by illegal infiltrators, NOT NOW, NOT EVER,” Sarma wrote in an X post.

The remarks came a day after a public meeting was organised by Assam Civil Society and other social groups, which was addressed by Harsh Mander, Prashant Bhushan, and other dignitaries. In that meeting, Syeda Hameed remarks to media persons drew criticism.

Congress questions Himanta government

As Assam government continues to take stringent steps to ensure that illegal immigrants don’t get the benefits of common man. Meanwhile, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised questions on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led State government and sought to know why, despite the BJP government being in power for nearly a decade there were infiltrators entering the State.

“They have been in power for 10 years, and with border security under their watch, if infiltrators are still coming, then who is responsible?” Gogoi said.

“”The Congress party’s position is clear, no Bangladeshi should stay illegally in Assam. It is the duty of both the Assam government and the central government to ensure this. They have been in power for 10 years, and with border security under their watch, if infiltrators are still coming, then who is responsible?” he asked.