Guwahati, July 27: The recent triple murder case in Golaghat, Assam, has sparked a heated debate, with Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah drawing controversial parallels to the ancient epic, Mahabharata.
Criticizing Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s remarks that the Golaghat triple murder was an instance of Love-Jihad, Borah cited examples from the Mahabharata to support his claims. However, his interpretations have been met with skepticism and criticism for distorting the actual context and beliefs.
In his statements, Bhupen Borah made a surprising analogy with the love story of Lord Krishna and Rukmini from the Mahabharata. He referred to Lord Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini as an instance of Love-Jihad, trying to draw parallels with the modern-day case. However, such comparisons between ancient mythology and present-day issues require careful consideration and sensitivity, as they involve distinct contexts and belief systems.
Similarly, Borah attempted to draw a connection between Gandhari’s act of blindfolding herself in the Mahabharata and the Golaghat triple murder case. According to him, Gandhari’s blindfolding was a result of her dislike for Dritarashtra, her husband. However, this interpretation misrepresents the true essence of Gandhari’s sacrifice. In the epic, Gandhari voluntarily chose to blindfold herself to share her husband’s darkness, symbolizing her unconditional love and devotion to him.
The Golaghat triple murder case involved a man named Nazibur Rahman, who allegedly killed three members of a Hindu family, including his wife and in-laws. The incident shocked the community and raised questions about the motive behind the brutal act. Sanghamitra Ghosh, one of the victims, had met Nazibur on Facebook in 2020, and they fell in love. However, their relationship soon turned abusive, and Sanghamitra faced torture and assault within the marriage.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim of this incident being an instance of Love-Jihad has further fueled the debate. Love-Jihad is a controversial term used to describe alleged campaigns by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through love and marriage. The term has been a subject of polarizing debates, with some considering it a genuine concern of forced conversions, while others view it as a divisive and politically motivated narrative.
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Drawing comparisons between modern-day events and ancient mythological stories can be misleading and can potentially lead to misinterpretations. The Mahabharata, as a sacred epic, holds profound significance in Indian culture, and any reference to it must be handled with utmost care and respect for its religious and cultural value.
Bhupen Borah’s attempt to link the Golaghat case with the Mahabharata incidents has faced criticism for oversimplifying complex issues and diverting attention from the actual problem at hand. Instead of resorting to such analogies, it is crucial for leaders and authorities to focus on ensuring a fair and thorough investigation into the Golaghat triple murder case and delivering justice to the victims and their families.
The incident has also reignited debates on the need for comprehensive and sensitive discussions on issues like Love-Jihad. It is essential to approach such matters with an open mind, promoting constructive dialogue and understanding among different communities and religious groups.
The Golaghat triple murder case has brought to light the challenges of addressing sensitive issues like Love-Jihad in a diverse and pluralistic society like India. Leaders and public figures should exercise caution while drawing parallels to ancient epics, ensuring that they do not misrepresent cultural and religious narratives. As the investigations continue, it is imperative for the authorities to prioritize justice and uphold the principles of equality and harmony in the pursuit of truth.
