GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a stern warning to All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal, cautioning him against engaging in banned practices of ‘magical healing’.
Sarma, told a national daily on March 6, that Ajmal would face arrest if found flouting the law.
“If he (Badruddin Ajmal) engages in healing practices, he will be arrested. What I say will come to pass. I am not speaking for myself; I am speaking on behalf of the Assembly,” Sarma was quoted as saying.
AIUDF legislators have defended their party chief’s spiritual endeavours, stating that people voluntarily seek his assistance for “healing” purposes.
Ajmal is frequently approached by Muslims to perform rituals such as blowing into water bottles, believed to imbue the water with healing properties.
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“You may not heed Himanta Biswa Sarma’s words, but you must abide by the directives of the Assembly, which has prohibited these healing practices,” Sarma reinforced.
Under the provisions of the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, offences are deemed cognizable and non-bailable.
A first-time offender can face imprisonment for up to one year, extendable to three years, along with a fine of ₹50,000, or both.
Subsequent convictions may result in imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of ₹1 lakh, or both.
The Bill, passed during the final day of the Assam budget session last month, aims to curb traditional healing practices with hidden agendas.
Its primary objective is to promote awareness within society, highlighting scientifically backed information to safeguard human health from practices that exploit ignorance and ill-health.
Following the passage of the Bill, opposition to the Act has surfaced from various religious organisations in the Northeast.
The most recent dissenting voice emerged from the North East Catholic Research Forum (NECRF), a non-partisan organization, which addressed a letter to Chief Minister Sarma regarding his alleged silence in curbing certain organizations that target Christians and tribals in the state.
In a letter signed by 38 members of the forum, the NECRF urged Chief Minister Sarma, on March 3, to take action against these concerning developments within Assam and reconsider the usage of “controversial terms” in the Act.
