No Coercion in Flood Relief Donations, Police on Alert, Says CM Himanta

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday warned against collecting flood relief donations by coercing individuals or business establishments and said the police had been directed to keep a close watch on such activities. He said the state government, along with the people of Assam, was capable of helping those affected by the floods, though voluntary contributions from anywhere were welcome. "There is no need to collect donations in the name of flood relief. People are going around on the streets with boxes, collecting donations," Sarma told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. He said collecting money from others and distributing it as relief under one’s own banner could not be considered genuine assistance. "If we can, we should contribute our own money. I have seen that scanners, etc. are being circulated to collect funds. That is not flood relief. I have asked the police to be vigilant so that shops, businesses and the general public are not forced to pay donations, as the situation is under the control of the government," he said. Sarma said the first week of the current flood wave had been challenging as many areas remained inaccessible, but the administration had now reached all affected areas and people were also able to approach government officials. He said voluntary contributions by individuals or groups pooling their own resources were welcome, but soliciting donations indiscriminately would not be appreciated by flood-affected people and could tarnish the state’s image. "I am hesitant to ask for funds from Delhi, let alone London. I try to ensure that we can provide for ourselves and our people are helping those affected," he said, avoiding a direct response when asked for his reaction of an Assamese actor-dancer performing live on London streets in a fund-raising endeavour. "We do not need to ask for help in London or America. But if someone comes forward on their own, we don’t have a problem. It should not be sought, but come voluntarily," the chief minister added. He also urged people of the state to help the government in ensuring that those affected receive the due aid.