📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dipalay Dey
Politics
Assam govt orders officials to stop ambulances being delayed by VIP convoys after Silchar row
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 03:36 AM
👁 7
The Assam administration has directed district commissioners and senior police officers to ensure ambulances are not halted for VIP processions following a controversy in Silchar.
The state government of Assam issued a circular instructing all district commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to guarantee that ambulances are allowed to move unhindered, even when VIP convoys are on the road. The directive comes in the wake of a public outcry in Silchar, where reports indicated that emergency vehicles were forced to stop for a high‑profile procession, delaying critical medical care.
Officials have been asked to coordinate with traffic police and local authorities to clear a dedicated lane for ambulances and to enforce strict penalties on any convoy that obstructs emergency services. The circular emphasizes that the safety of patients must take precedence over ceremonial priorities.
The Assam government highlighted that any delay in ambulance response can have life‑threatening consequences, and reiterated its commitment to uphold the right to timely medical assistance. The move is expected to be monitored closely, with periodic reviews to ensure compliance across the state.
Officials have been asked to coordinate with traffic police and local authorities to clear a dedicated lane for ambulances and to enforce strict penalties on any convoy that obstructs emergency services. The circular emphasizes that the safety of patients must take precedence over ceremonial priorities.
The Assam government highlighted that any delay in ambulance response can have life‑threatening consequences, and reiterated its commitment to uphold the right to timely medical assistance. The move is expected to be monitored closely, with periodic reviews to ensure compliance across the state.