Assam CM's Fiery Warning: Unsanctioned 'North East India' Branding in Vietnam Sparks Official Outrage

Guwahati, India – Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has delivered a scorching rebuke to the organizers behind a 'Northeast India Festival' held recently in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Chief Minister's stern warning comes amidst grave concerns over the unauthorized and potentially misleading use of "North East India" in the festival's branding, a designation he asserts is an official term requiring explicit central government approval for international representation.

In a powerful statement, CM Sarma unequivocally demanded that the organizers report immediately to the Assam Police to clarify their actions.

Failure to comply, he warned, would result in severe legal consequences. "Don't play with the patience of the people of Assam," he declared, underscoring the deep sensitivity surrounding the region's identity and its proper representation on the global stage.

The controversy stems from the 'Northeast India Festival' event, which took place in Vietnam, allegedly portraying itself as an official representation of the entire North East India region.

CM Sarma emphatically clarified that "North East India" is not merely a geographical descriptor but an official nomenclature encompassing eight distinct states, each with its unique heritage and identity. He stressed that any international event purporting to represent this collective entity must secure prior authorization from the Government of India.

The Chief Minister highlighted the critical principle of diplomatic protocol, stating that only a central government agency or an officially authorized body can represent the entirety of North East India abroad.

He refuted any claims made by the organizers suggesting they had government backing for the event, branding such assertions as false and misleading. "Any event abroad using the name 'North East India' without the backing of the central government is a matter of serious concern," CM Sarma stated, emphasizing the need for due diligence and respect for national designations.

The Assam government, under CM Sarma's leadership, is taking this matter with utmost seriousness, viewing it as a breach of protocol and a potential misrepresentation of Indian interests.

The call for the organizers to report to the Assam Police is not just a formality but a clear indication of the state's resolve to protect its and the broader region's image. This incident serves as a stark reminder to event organizers worldwide about the importance of adhering to official guidelines and seeking appropriate clearances when using sensitive geographical and national appellations for international events.

The CM's decisive action reinforces the message that while promoting cultural exchange is welcomed, it must always be done within the established frameworks and with respect for the sovereignty and official designations of nations and their regions.

The people of Assam, and indeed the entire North East, expect nothing less than dignified and authorized representation.