Assam constitutes inquiry commission to probe Sualkuchi violence

The Government of Assam has constituted a one-man commission of inquiry, headed by justice (Retd) SK Kar, retired judge of Gauhati High Court, to inquire into the incidents of violence at Sualkuchi, a small town near Guwahati, on March 29 and 30.

Sualkuchi, best known for muga and pat silk weaving, witnessed widespread protests, followed by violence, in March by silk weavers. The weavers protested against "cheap" Banarasi silk, produced in power looms, flooding the markets and being sold under the banner of Sualkuchi silk, thus affecting the silk industry of Assam. The weavers took to streets and burnt Banarasi silk clothes and also clashed with police and security personnel.

Curfew was then imposed in Sualkuchi and Army was deployed to contain the situation from turning worse. Later, the Kamrup district administration banned the sale of imported silk in the district, helping the situation to turn normal soon.

"The commission will ascertain the root causes leading to the violence at Sualkuchi and also ascertain the facts of procurement and selling of Banarasi silk clothes under the banner of Sualkuchi silk or Assam silk and misleading the people at large. It will also identify individuals and organisations responsible for such activities and fix responsibility," stated a Assam government press communique.

The commission will also determine lapses, if any, on the part of any organisation, department and administration to properly address the issue leading to the escalation of tension and violence in the area. The commission will also give appropriate recommendations for addressing the critical issues of Sualkuchi silk weavers and remedial course of action and any other matter which is relevant to the inquiry as may be decided by the Commission.

The One Man Commission of Inquiry will submit its report within six months from the date of issue of the notification.

Earlier, the Assam Human Rights Commision, taking suo moto cognizance of the matter, had issued notice to the chief secretary of Assam, to conduct an enquiry into the reports by an officer not below the rank of additional chief secretary and submit the report of enquiry before the commission within 30 days.