Assam Releases Long-Withheld 1983 Nellie Massacre Reports After 42 Years
The Assam government has published two long-withheld reports on the 1983 Nellie massacre after 42 years. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma authorised their release in 2023, citing transparency and historical accountability. The move comes just before next year’s Assembly elections, sparking debate over its timing.
The Nellie massacre took place during a statewide agitation in Assam led by student and political groups. Nearly 2,000 Bengali-speaking Muslim immigrants—mostly women and children—were killed in the violence. The government had kept the findings of the Tiwary and Mehta Commissions classified until now.
The Tiwary Commission linked the massacre to deep-seated tensions over demographic shifts and immigration from Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Mehta Commission pointed to flawed electoral processes and state repression as key factors. It criticised the holding of elections without updating voter rolls, which fuelled unrest.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that releasing the reports would help reconciliation and public understanding. He argued that enough time had passed to disclose the findings. However, the Opposition has questioned the timing, calling it a political strategy to polarise voters.
The reports surfaced as Assam conducts a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Allegations of unchecked illegal immigration have added to the controversy. Critics claim the government aims to unify the Hindu majority against the Opposition ahead of the polls.
The publication of the Nellie massacre reports has reignited discussions about historical justice and political motives. With elections approaching, the Opposition remains sceptical of the government’s intentions. The findings now enter public record after decades of secrecy.
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