Assam: Bodoland University students' body apologises for controversial march targeting Muslims

GUWAHATI: The Bodoland University Student Union (BUSU) in Assam has issued an apology to the Muslim community following a contentious procession held on its campus in Kokrajhar on March 16.

The procession, organized by the Geography department of the varsity as part of the university's 23rd varsity week and Thulunga Festival, depicted Muslim individuals in a derogatory manner, sparking outrage among various Muslim student organizations in Assam.

In a viral video, individuals dressed in Muslim attires, with hands tied behind their backs, were shown being subjected to simulated beatings by police personnel, followed by a procession of university students.

In response to the backlash, the Bodoland University Student Union (BUSU) released a statement on Monday (March 18), with its president Crytrina Mushahary and general secretary Nerswn Narzary expressing regret for the incident.

They clarified that the procession aimed to showcase various social facets under the theme “We and Our Society”, without intending to marginalize or disparage any community.

While the apology from BUSU was acknowledged, the Muslim Students Union of Assam (MSUA) insisted that an apology should also come from the university authorities and the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) led by Pramod Boro.

MSUA president Jala Uddin stated that they appreciated the apology from BUSU but awaited similar gestures from the BU administration and the BTC government.

Additionally, a delegation from the All BTC Minority Students Union (ABMSU), led by president Taison Hussain, met with the BU vice chancellor in Kokrajhar, Assam on Monday (March 18), submitting a memorandum demanding strict action against the students involved.

The ABMSU warned of filing FIRs against the perpetrators if appropriate measures were not taken.

The ABMSU condemned the portrayal of Muslims as criminals, labelling it a violation of section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and an affront to societal harmony.

They urged the university to uphold moral values and deter acts aimed at sowing religious discord.