Some sinister trends in Assam

Mintu Sarma

(The writer is a research scholar at Gauhati University. Can be reached at sarmamintu9@gmail.com)

The mob lynching and mob violence are happening dangerously in the civic societies of the state. These are the anti-social activities under the pretext of administering justice without trial. These worrying trends are netting society in such a dangerous way that the State government is forced to plan to enact a strict law to deal with cases of lynching and mob violence. Considering the seriousness of the problem the honourable Supreme Court circulated guidelines in 2018 to deal with such violence by enacting the law. Complying with Supreme Court guidelines three states in India – Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Manipur – have already endorsed stringent laws to take preventive, remedial, and punitive measures to deal with lynching as well as mob violence. It is seen that the people of Assam have been victimized by such deadly activities for many years and the government is yet to come up with a strict law to deal with these disturbing trends.

After the horrific incident of lynching of Abhi and Neel in Karbi Anglong, another gruesome incident claimed the precious life of another youth in Jorhat. The incident occurred in the bustling town and yet none came forward to rescue Animesh Bhuyan and two others from the murderous mob. It depicts the serious erosion of sensitivity and empathy among people. Disturbingly, the state has been witness to a sinister trend of growing violence. It is really a serious matter of concern which reflects that all is not well in society. The Government as well as the authorities concerned need to unearth the root causes of heinous acts like mob lynching or mob violence. It cannot be brushed under the carpet as the unfortunate incidents are taking place with regularity in the state. The list of victims who lost their lives due to mob lynching or mob violence in Assam is quite long. Jhankar Saikia was killed by a mob in Diphu in 2013, followed by Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath from Guwahati lynched at Dokmoka in the Karbi Along district. Dr Deben Dutta whose age was above the seventies was beaten to death in Teok Tea Estate, to mention a few. Such shocking incidents, unfortunately, represent a growing decadent society of Assam. The million-dollar question is: whether the law could be able to stop mob lynching and mob violence magically in the state, definitely not. Along with an act, proper coordination between the police and the public can go a long way in tackling such gruesome incidents. NGOs as well as social activists like Birubala Rabha who campaigns against witchcraft and witch-hunting need to come forward and initiate a movement against mob lynching and mob violence which can help in minimizing the occurrence of such crimes.

Another disturbing trend in our society is the growing suicidal mentality. According to the official report the state witnessed over 3,000 suicides in 2020. Though the current year data are not yet out, the menacing trend does not seem to have subsided going by a media report. The suicide data reveals that it is among the biggest killers in the state. Recent years have also witnessed a surge in the number of suicides among students. According to media reports close to 400 students committed suicides in 2020 compared to 357 in 2019. Among the most vulnerable segment have been those in the age group 15-29, accounting for over one-third of the fatalities, followed by those in the 30-44 age group. The children and teenagers are found to be ending their lives with alarming regularity. In the latest such instance, a 14-year-old city girl committed suicide, triggered by public humiliation meted out to her by the school authorities. Unemployment, poverty besides family problems, and love affairs are the most frequently cited reasons behind suicide. Love-related depression, rising incidence of matrimonial discord between parents, restive atmosphere in the home, and alcoholism and drug addiction are definitely factors impacting behavioural changes in children and adolescents. Suicide is a mental illness that includes depression, anxiety disorders, addictive behaviours etc. Growing pressure triggered by a ruthlessly competitive and insensitive educational environment, carefree childhood may trigger the mental illness of the children/teenagers. Parents and civic society need to be more responsive to the need of children as well as to the growing generation which may shape their personality in a healthy manner. Today's educated society has also the responsibility to produce a healthy environment that promotes social harmony and fosters community cohesion to entail all is well in society in the coming years.