DNA Edit: Cowardly act – The Assam killings were aimed at sowing discord

The killing of five Bengalis in Assam by terrorists allegedly from the ULFA-Independent faction led by Paresh Baruah was clearly aimed at destabilising peace in the state. By targeting members of a particular community, it wanted to drive the rift between the Assamese and the Bengali-speaking populace further. The killings happen at a time when fear and uncertainty stalk the lives of 40 lakh people who are yet to find a place in the National Register of Citizens. There is no doubt that minorities in Assam have been feeling threatened for quite some time and the recent murders have made matters worse. But one has to also realise the fact that the primary aim of terrorists is to create fear and instability in society. They also know that the killing of Bengalis will also be open to political manipulation. 

Little wonder then that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has jumped into the fray and tried to discredit the NRC in the wake of the killings. And, as expected, a political blame game has erupted. So much so that she has accused the BJP government in the state of driving Bengalis out of the state. The fact of the matter is that the five murders is a law-and-order issue and should be dealt with accordingly. No political party should play on the fears of the people or whip up ultra nationalism. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was right in calling the murders “cowardly acts” and that the Centre will deal the perpetrators sternly.