ULFA slams Assam govt for honouring Sharmila Ji

Guwahati: The banned United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has slammed the Assam government for honouring actress Sharmila Tagore with the prestigious Srimanta Sankardeva award.

The aforementioned award was handed over to the Begum of Pataudi by President Pranab Mukherjee in Guwahati on Monday for her "rich contribution to India's cultural life".

The ULFA raised objections to giving away the honour to Sharmila Tagore, who according to them has contributed nothing to create awareness about the Vaishnavite saint-reformer in whose honour the award was instituted, DNA reported.

An e-mail statement issued by ULFA (independent) publicity secretary Arunodoi Asom read, "The ULFA(I) considers the Assam government's conferment of the Srimanta Sankaradeva award to the bikini-girl of Hindi cinema Sharmila Tagore (Begun Ayesha Sultana) a gross insult to the greatest saint of Assam. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, whose government had only recently insulted Sukafa, the founder of the Ahom dynasty, now owes an explanation as to why his government chose Sharmila Tagore who is in no way associated in propagating the ideals of Sankaradeva."

"Sharmila has not worked towards spreading Sankardeva's teachings. So, where is the logic behind her selection for the prestigious award?," the faction lead by Paresh Baruah asked.

According the outlawed group, the Assam government undermined Srimanta Sanka

Well, for once, the outlaws are right. There are many Assamese scholars who deserve it far more. On what basis was she selected? Kuch bhi!! 🤔 While they are at it, why not give her some Marathi award too? I bet Raj Thackeray would raise a stink and that would serve them right. It's sad that the Assamese were not more vocal in their protest over this and ULFA, a separatist organization, got the opportunity to take this up.