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Citizens write to CM urging him to help Lafikul�s kin

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Aug 6 - A group of prominent citizens, including journalists and educationists, has written to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the killing of Lafikul Islam Ahmed, president of the All BTC Minority Students� Union (ABMSU).

�In a conflict-ridden region like BTAD, Lafikul Islam Ahmed�s activism touched many hearts. But his death on August 1 has brought together people of various communities. The show of solidarity and the peaceful protest following his assassination is indeed noteworthy,� the letter written to the Chief Minister today stated.

The letter, while lauding the contribution of Ahmed as a progressive youth leader who raised awareness among the Bengal-origin Muslim community about child marriage, polygamy, dowry and domestic violence, also appreciated the Chief Minister�s move to write to the Centre recommending a CBI probe and at the same time constituting a special investigation team (SIT) of Assam Police to look into the matter.

�We would urge him to follow up with the Centre so that the CBI can take over the case as soon as possible,� the letter pointed out.

�He also highlighted the need for girls� education, and even created a women�s wing of the ABMSU, where he served as its president till his death,� the letter highlighted.

�Ahmed�s murder leaves a big void in minority leadership in Assam, and void in the effort of all those, who, cutting across markers of identities, were working for peace and amity in the region,� the letter, signed by as many as 43 prominent personalities in the State, added. The letter also appreciated the State Government�s swift action in the matter.

�We request Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to consider providing long-term support to Ahmed�s family. This would go a long way not only in showing political goodwill, but also in establishing a sense of social justice,� the letter stated.

�It is our sincere plea to the media to respect their sense of privacy and to avoid any kind of misreporting that might negatively affect the family,� the letter added.

Among those who signed the letter include Indrani Raimedhi, Features Editor, The Assam Tribune; Monirul Hussain, former HOD, Department of Political Science, Gauhati University; Miguel Das Queah, child rights activist; Kenny Basumatary, actor and filmmaker; Kishalay Bhattacharjee, journalist and author; Kaustubh Deka, Assistant Professor, Centre for Northeast Studies and Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia; Mrinal Talukdar, senior Journalist; and Patricia Mukhim, Editor, The Shillong Times, among others.

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