Guwahati, July 14: Amid calls for the release of a 19-year-old girl lodged in jail for nearly two months for allegedly writing a poem supporting Ulfa on Facebook, Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said Wednesday “she should stay in prison”.
“Writing poetry is not bad. I also write poetry. But Barshashree was arrested only because she wrote that she would join Ulfa. She wrote that she would also take others with her. So, young girl, you don’t have to go to Ulfa, just stay in jail,” the DGP said while talking to reporters during his visit to Upper Assam on Wednesday.
The girl, Barshashree Buragohain, was arrested on May 18 from Uriamghat, in Golaghat district, and charged under the UAPA for writing a poem titled “Akou Korim Rashtra Droh” (Will Again Rebel Against the Nation)”. She is an undergraduate student of mathematics.
Also Read: CM Mamata Banerjee met the Bengal Guv and Assam CM in Darjeeling
Barshashree’s arrest has triggered widespread criticism across the state, with student bodies, opposition parties, and intellectuals demanding her early release.
Her parents have appealed to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to release her for her semester-end examinations. Special DGP (law and order) GP Singh tweeted on Wednesday, “When someone publicly professes support for a banned outfit and declares the intent of waging war against the Indian state, we are legally bound to prosecute that person. Following due process, the charge sheet shall be filed in the competent court of law. Let the law take its own (sic).”
When someone publicly professes support for a banned organisation and declares intent of waging war against the Indian state, we are legally bound to prosecute that person. Following due process, charge sheet shall be filed in competent court of law. Let the law take its own.
— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) July 13, 2022
