Assam: UTOA alleges, authors defamed Bodo community in their books, Files FIR
The United Tribal Organization, Assam (UTOA) has filed an FIR against authors alleging that the authors defamed the Bodo community in their books
Kokrajhar
The United Tribal Organization, Assam (UTOA) has filed an FIR at the Kokrajhar Police Station against the authors Sanjoy Hazarika and Romila Thapar.
The FIR was lodged on August 4 and a case has been registered with vide no. 390/2018,u/s 3(1)(p) (r) (u) Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) act 1989 (Amendment 2018). This was informed to the media by Markush Basumatary, president, UTOA, in Kokrajhar.
The UTOA alleged that the authors defamed the Bodo community in their books Strangers No More: New Narratives from India’s Northeast (Aleph Book, 2017) and Ancient Indian Social History: Some Interpretations (Orient Blackswan, 1978).
Markush said writer Sanjoy Hazarika is from Assam and is quite familiar with the tribes or communities of the State and “he should have never used such words as “Bodo use of explosive” or “Bodo militants” or “Blood spattered Bodo council”.
“We find such labeling against the Bodo community is intentional, insulting, hurting and malicious,” he said adding that the organization has been compelled to file case against them to take necessary action on Sanjay Hazarika and Romila Thapar for allegedly spreading ill-will against the Bodo community, he added.
it must be mention here that journalist-author-activist Hazarika, formerly a member of the first National Security Advisory Board, is now part of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution. He has also set up a Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research.
On the other hand, Thapar, an Indian historian, is the author of several books including the popular volume, A History of India. She has twice been offered the Padma Bhushan award but has declined both times.
Meanwhile the UTAO also demand a complete ban on these book with immediate effect. They (authors) have defamed our community. This is an insult to the entire Bodo community,” Markush said.
