‘Where Is the Govt?’: AAP Demands Urgent Action as JE Grips Assam

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Assam, has strongly criticized the state government's handling of the ongoing Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outbreak, which has claimed 24 lives so far and infected over 250 individuals across the state.

In a statewide demonstration of concern, AAP Assam submitted memorandums to all Deputy Commissioners on Thursday, demanding immediate preventive action and comprehensive health measures to contain the spread of the disease.

In an official press statement, Rajib Saikia, State General Secretary (Organisation) of AAP Assam, lashed out at the Health Department led by Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing it of gross negligence. “Despite the rising death toll and increasing number of infections, no visible or effective action has been taken by the government. There has been no anti-mosquito fogging, no spraying of insecticides, no distribution of medicated mosquito nets, nor any awareness campaigns—neither in rural nor urban areas,” he stated.

Calling it a “complete failure of the state machinery,” Saikia held Health Minister Ashok Singhal directly accountable for the situation and demanded his resignation.

Through the memorandum, AAP Assam laid out a charter of demands for the government to act upon immediately. These include:

• Urgent fogging operations and spraying of insecticides in all affected and high-risk areas.

• Free distribution of medicated mosquito nets to vulnerable communities.

• A state-wide public awareness campaign using leaflets, loudspeaker announcements, and community meetings to educate people about JE prevention.

• Immediate compensation and government relief to the families of those who died due to the disease.

• Improved medical care and facilities for patients currently undergoing treatment.

• Organizing health camps in villages and remote regions to screen, diagnose, and treat the population.

Rajib Saikia also commended the party’s grassroots units for coordinating the submission of memorandums across districts and “standing by the people during this public health emergency.”

With the monsoon season in full swing and mosquito-borne diseases on the rise, AAP has called upon the state government to shed its “apathy and arrogance” and act immediately to prevent further loss of life.

Also Read: Rising JE Threat in Assam: Health Dept Flags High-Risk Zones After 24 Deaths