Ambulance Stopped for CM Convoy in Silchar, Himanta Sarma Apologises; Probe Ordered

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has apologised to a patient and their family after an ambulance carrying them was stopped in Silchar to make way for his convoy.

Calling the incident “unacceptable”, Sarma said no Chief Minister’s convoy should take precedence over a life requiring urgent medical care. He said his instructions were clear that VIP movement must not inconvenience the public.

Sarma ordered an inquiry and directed officials to take action against those responsible. Four police personnel were subsequently suspended for alleged negligence of duty.

The Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday issued fresh directions to all district commissioners and senior police officials, reiterating that ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles must not be obstructed during VIP convoy movements.

The directive said traffic arrangements must ensure that emergency vehicles face no delay or obstruction and that the convoy should be paused, if necessary, to allow them immediate passage.

The CMO also said the Chief Minister’s convoy movement would be kept to the minimum required for security purposes and that arrangements must be made to avoid inconvenience to the public and unnecessary disruption to regular traffic.

Sarma, in a post on X, said officials found violating the directives would face strict consequences.
Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has apologised to a patient and their family after an ambulance carrying them was stopped in Silchar to make way for his convoy.

Calling the incident “unacceptable”, Sarma said no Chief Minister’s convoy should take precedence over a life requiring urgent medical care. He said his instructions were clear that VIP movement must not inconvenience the public.

Sarma ordered an inquiry and directed officials to take action against those responsible. Four police personnel were subsequently suspended for alleged negligence of duty.

The Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday issued fresh directions to all district commissioners and senior police officials, reiterating that ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency vehicles must not be obstructed during VIP convoy movements.

The directive said traffic arrangements must ensure that emergency vehicles face no delay or obstruction and that the convoy should be paused, if necessary, to allow them immediate passage.

The CMO also said the Chief Minister’s convoy movement would be kept to the minimum required for security purposes and that arrangements must be made to avoid inconvenience to the public and unnecessary disruption to regular traffic.

Sarma, in a post on X, said officials found violating the directives would face strict consequences.