SILCHAR: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his displeasure over the heavy police presence surrounding him during his visit to Desh Bhakta Tarun Ram Phookan HS School in Silchar on March 18. The incident, which was captured on video, quickly went viral on social media the following day.
In the footage, CM Sarma can be heard questioning the excessive security arrangements, saying, “Am I a thief or a dacoit? Why so many police have been deployed around me?” His remarks were reportedly directed at the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Cachar district, who had arranged for the additional personnel to ensure the Chief Minister’s security during the visit.
The viral video, which has sparked debate, shows the Chief Minister addressing the situation in a rather candid and frustrated tone. His comments reflect his concerns over the scale of security that appeared disproportionate to the event, which was focused on interacting with students and the public.
Despite the controversy over the security arrangements, CM Sarma’s visit to Silchar was significant for several reasons. One of the key highlights was the foundation stone laying for a much-needed 50-bed critical care block at SM Dev Civil Hospital. The project, estimated to cost Rs 24 crore, aims to enhance the healthcare infrastructure of the region. The new facility will span 6,335 square meters and be a ground-plus-four-storey structure. It is designed to offer a range of essential medical services, including an intensive care unit (ICU), operation theatre, isolation wards, and a pediatric care unit.
This development comes as a significant boost to the healthcare system in Cachar district, where medical services have often faced pressure due to a growing population and limited infrastructure. The establishment of the critical care block is expected to address these gaps, providing more comprehensive care to the residents of Silchar and surrounding areas.
In addition to the healthcare upgrade, CM Sarma also inaugurated the work on a new circuit house in Silchar, which will cater to the needs of government officials and dignitaries visiting the region. He emphasized that these steps were part of a broader vision to improve both healthcare and infrastructure in the area.
“We are working towards a future where Silchar can have better healthcare, more efficient infrastructure, and overall improved public services. The 50-bed critical care block and new circuit house are just a part of this vision,” Sarma said during the inauguration ceremony.
The Assam Chief Minister also revealed plans for further infrastructure improvements in the region, including a new 200-bed hospital and a flyover project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Silchar, a town that has seen rapid urbanization in recent years. These projects are expected to play a vital role in making the region more accessible and equipped to handle its growing population.
Despite the tension caused by his comments on security, CM Sarma’s visit marks a significant step forward for the region, with major advancements in both healthcare and infrastructure set to improve the lives of the local population. His government’s continued focus on development is expected to strengthen Assam’s overall growth in the coming years.
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