Why is this Assam cop holding a placard saying ‘NDFB Long Live’?

Udalguri: A photo of an Assam Police constable holding a placard, which reads, “NDFB Long Live”, has gone viral on social media.

According to information available, the constable, identified as Lakhyadhar Deka, was on duty during a protest programme organised by various organisations demanding immediate release of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) ‘chairman’ Ranjan Daimary in Udalguri on Tuesday.

Daimary, the self-styled chairman of the banned rebel organisation, and 14 others were recently convicted by a CBI fast-track court in the 2008 serial bomb blasts case in Assam that had left 88 people dead.

Daimary and nine other members of the outfit were sentenced to life imprisonment by the court.

During the protest, thousands of activists of various organisations, including Bodo Women Justice Forum, Bodo People’s Committee for Peace Initiative (BPCPI) and Society for Indigenous People’s Rights (SIPR) shouted slogans against the state government and demanded immediate release of Daimary and others.

However, seemingly out of excitement, the police constable, wearing a traditional Bodo ‘aronai’ around his neck, took hold of the placard from one of the protestors. The placard read: “NDFB Long Live”.

Meanwhile, Udalguri police have taken up the matter seriously. According to police sources, the constable is being interrogated at Udalguri police station.

“We are enquiring into the matter and, if necessary, action will be taken against the constable,” said Udalguri police station officer-in-charge Narayan Patangia.