FIR filed against Bagh Sena's Yunus Tamuli in Assam over remarks on women
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
An FIR has been registered against Yunus Tamuli, leader of the self-styled outfit Bagh Sena, at the Sivasagar Sadar Police Station in Assam over alleged obscene and derogatory remarks targeting women posted on Facebook, police officials confirmed on Thursday, 2 July. The complaint was filed by Jagriti Nari Samaj, a women's organisation, which has demanded Tamuli's immediate arrest.
The Complaint and What Triggered It
According to members of Jagriti Nari Samaj, a Facebook post attributed to Tamuli contained obscene and objectionable language that allegedly insulted the dignity of women and triggered widespread outrage. The organisation formally approached the Sivasagar Sadar Police Station, leading to the registration of the FIR. Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. As of the filing of this report, no arrest had been made.
Demands and Warnings from Jagriti Nari Samaj
Jagriti Nari Samaj condemned the remarks in strong terms and urged police to initiate stringent legal action without delay. The organisation warned that it would launch a statewide protest if Tamuli was not arrested promptly and appropriate legal proceedings were not set in motion. It further alleged that the social media post had hurt the sentiments of women across the community and had the potential to create social discord.
Who Is Yunus Tamuli and What Is Bagh Sena
Yunus Tamuli has in recent years emerged as a prominent face of Bagh Sena, a group that has frequently voiced support for sections of the Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam — commonly referred to as the Miya community. Many members of this community trace their ancestry to migrant peasants who settled in the Brahmaputra Valley during the colonial period.
The Broader Political Context in Assam
The Bengali-speaking Muslim community has long remained at the centre of Assam's political discourse. Issues such as alleged illegal immigration, identity, land rights, and citizenship have repeatedly dominated electoral debates in the state. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused Opposition parties of pursuing appeasement politics over the community, while Opposition leaders have countered that Bengali-speaking Muslims are frequently subjected to stereotyping and discrimination.
What Happens Next
Given the politically sensitive nature of the case, it is expected to draw scrutiny from both civil society groups and political parties. The investigation by Sivasagar police remains ongoing, and the outcome of the probe is likely to be closely watched by women's organisations and community groups across the state.