Debabrata Saikia urges Sarma to act on Assam Accord, communal harmony
Synopsis
As Himanta Biswa Sarma prepares to take charge in Assam, Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has laid out a pointed agenda — from implementing the long-pending Assam Accord and deporting illegal infiltrators to restoring communal harmony and building an automobile hub. The letter signals that the Opposition intends to hold the new BJP government accountable on substantive issues from day one.
Key Takeaways
Debabrata Saikia , former Leader of the Opposition, wrote to CM-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma urging action on key state issues.
Top demands include full implementation of the Assam Accord and detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators.
Saikia called for speedy granting of Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities of Assam.
He appealed for restoration of communal harmony , citing division created during the election period.
Saikia urged support for the probe into the death of singer Zubeen Garg .
He also demanded establishment of an automobile manufacturing hub to boost youth employment in Assam.
Former Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Monday congratulated Chief Minister-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s victory in the Assembly elections and urged him to take immediate steps on several key issues, including the implementation of the Assam Accord and the detection and deportation of illegal infiltrators from the state. Saikia, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly from Nazira, conveyed these demands through a formal letter addressed to Sarma.
Key Demands Raised
Among the foremost concerns flagged by the Congress leader was the full implementation of the Assam Accord, a landmark 1985 agreement aimed at addressing the issue of illegal immigration into the state. Saikia also called for speedy progress in granting Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities of Assam — a long-pending demand that has remained unresolved across successive governments.
He further urged the new government to expedite the detection and deportation of all illegal infiltrators, describing it as a matter of urgent public concern that the incoming administration must prioritise from day one.
Appeal for Communal Harmony
Saikia noted that the election period had created an atmosphere of division and hatred among different communities, tribes, and linguistic groups in the state. He appealed to Sarma to take strong and effective measures to restore communal harmony and ensure that all sections of Assamese society work together for the state's development. This call comes amid recurring concerns about community tensions in Assam, a state with a complex demographic and ethnic fabric that has historically been sensitive to electoral polarisation.
Zubeen Garg Death Probe
In a notable addition to the letter, Saikia referred to the ongoing investigation into the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg and urged the incoming government to extend all possible support and cooperation to the family in expediting the probe. The case has drawn significant public attention in Assam, and Saikia's mention of it underscores the pressure on the new administration to demonstrate accountability from the outset.
Employment and Industrial Growth
On the economic front, Saikia called for the establishment of an automobile manufacturing hub in Assam, arguing that such an initiative would fulfil the aspirations of the state's unemployed youth and create large-scale employment opportunities. The demand reflects a broader push to diversify Assam's industrial base beyond its traditional reliance on tea, oil, and agriculture. Saikia concluded by wishing Sarma a successful tenure marked by public welfare, development, and communal harmony.
Point of View
The Opposition is now demanding that the same government repair the social fabric it may have strained. The automobile hub demand, meanwhile, signals that Assam's youth employment crisis is a political vulnerability that the Congress intends to exploit if Sarma's industrial promises remain on paper.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Debabrata Saikia urge in his letter to Himanta Biswa Sarma?
Debabrata Saikia urged CM-designate Himanta Biswa Sarma to implement the Assam Accord, detect and deport illegal infiltrators, restore communal harmony, grant Scheduled Tribe status to six indigenous communities, and establish an automobile manufacturing hub in Assam.
What is the Assam Accord and why does it matter?
The Assam Accord is a 1985 agreement between the Government of India and leaders of the Assam agitation, aimed at identifying and deporting illegal immigrants who entered Assam after 1971. Its implementation has remained incomplete for decades and continues to be a central political issue in the state.
Which six communities are seeking Scheduled Tribe status in Assam?
Saikia's letter refers to six indigenous communities of Assam that have long sought Scheduled Tribe status, a demand that has remained unresolved across multiple state and central governments. The letter does not name the specific communities.
Why did Saikia mention singer Zubeen Garg in the letter?
Saikia referred to the ongoing investigation into the death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, urging the new government to extend full support to the family and expedite the probe, reflecting public pressure on the incoming administration to act on the case.
What is Saikia's demand regarding employment in Assam?
Saikia called for the establishment of an automobile manufacturing hub in Assam, arguing it would create large-scale employment opportunities and address the aspirations of the state's unemployed youth.
