GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma went for an inspection of the upcoming Brahmaputra riverfront beautification project on the morning of Tuesday.
The region under consideration starts from the Mahabahu Brahmaputra River Heritage Center to the District and Sessions Court. The demolished old DC office of the Kamrup Metropolitan district is the main area set to be developed. These come under the ambitious Guwahati Smart City Project which aims to turn the whole riverbank to a scenic location with tourism potential.
On being asked about the controversial Miya Museum that was recently inaugurated in the Goalpara district of Assam, he said that there was nothing particular in the establishment that is unique and indigenous to the particular community. Himanta Biswa Sarma gave the example of the plough, traditionally called the 'nangol' used by all farmers and not just Miya people. Similarly, the equipment used to catch fish in the rivers across the state. They must also show their sources of finance to the concerned authorities.
Before setting up the museum, they must prove their connections to the items. Its their duty to prove that these items are not used by anyone else other than the Miya community. The chief minster also mentioned that the river heritage museum already has many of these items in display. So it makes no sense to try to label them as Miya heritage items and associate nostalgia with the same. And for doing that, they have to prove the authenticity of their claims before an expert panel. He also told that a huge number of people who are supporting such a project do not have any reference when checked against voter lists older than fifty years.
The Miya Museum was sealed by the authorities earlier after protests about the same in many public circles.
Meanwhile the state administration is on war footing to combat any possile problem that might arise because of the Cyclone Sitrang.
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