Lachit Borphukan was a fighter irrespective of where or when he fought, says BJP

GUWAHATI: Calling Lachit Borphukan a fighter, irrespective of when and where he fought, is nothing wrong but respectful, says the Assam state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

 

Reacted to the United Liberation Front of Asom’s (Independent) demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology for referring to legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan as “freedom fighter” at 'Amrit Mahotsav' in Gujarat on March 12, BJP state economic cell convener Devajit Mahanta told InsideNE: "It's nothing like that.

 

Calling Lachit Borphukan a fighter does not mean it was to disrespect him. We have respect for every single individual who had helped our community to reach where we are at today."

 

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"He (Narendra Modi) had visited Assam 35 times. Whenever he visits, he talks about Assam's civilisation, culture, and conservation. He also visits Mahapurush Sankardev's birthplace and Kamakhya Dham. He distributed land pattas among our people. So it can never mean that he tried to disrespect Lachit Borphukan or our history," said Mahanta.

 

Asked if BJP is going to respond to the ULFA(I)'s demand, Mahanta said skirting a direct answer: "We have been saying this all along that everything can be solved through discussion. I'd request them to come back to the mainstream and help us in fulfilling our dream of establishing Assam as one of the top five states of India."

 

Earlier today, ULFA(I) released a statement that read: “The distortion of Assam is similar to distortion of European history by the Nazis. The prime minister’s statement is wrong and insulting and we, on behalf of the people of Assam, demand an apology for it.”

 

An official statement regarding the same is yet to be released by the party.