Guwahati, Nov 20: The Assam government’s decision to rename Karimganj district as Sribhumi has stirred controversy, prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to defend the move amid criticism. Speaking at a press conference, Sarma argued that the name change should have been implemented much earlier. He questioned the backlash by highlighting that the district’s current name commemorated someone unknown, while the new name, Sribhumi, aligns with Rabindranath Tagore’s depiction of the region as the ‘land of Maa Lakshmi’ over a century ago.
Sarma emphasized that this long-standing demand reflects the district’s historical and linguistic significance. In a social media post, he pointed out that the renaming fulfills the aspirations of local residents. The decision was approved by the Assam Cabinet on Tuesday, aiming to endow the state’s southernmost district with a distinct cultural identity.
However, the move has been met with opposition. Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi criticized the decision as “reckless,” arguing that the government should prioritize developmental achievements for the state instead of altering geographical identities.
The renaming of Karimganj to Sribhumi is intended to acknowledge and celebrate the area’s cultural heritage, according to the government. Nonetheless, the measure has sparked a divisive debate on its necessity and implications.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/11/20/amid-flak-himanta-defends-move-to-rename-karimganj/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert,REGIONAL
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Publish Date: 2024-11-20 20:53:00
