Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that demonstrations near the Raj Bhavan in Guwahati would no longer be permitted.
No Protests Near Raj Bhavan
The announcement came a day after Mridul Islam, a Congress leader, succumbed to injuries allegedly caused by excessive tear gas shelling during the party’s “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest.
“The institution of the Governor stands above partisan politics. Yesterday (December 18, 2024), Congress leaders attempted to forcibly enter Raj Bhavan by breaching police barricades, causing chaos in the vicinity,” the Chief Minister stated in a post on X. He emphasized that Guwahati has a designated area for protests and demonstrations, urging political parties to adhere to the rules.
Chief Minister Sarma also informed that the police would file a first information report (FIR) and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He assured that the probe would involve analysing video recordings to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the death of Mr. Islam.
Congress Seeks Independent Probe and Compensation after incident in Raj Bhavan
The incident has sparked outrage within the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), which filed an FIR at the Latasil police station demanding an independent investigation. The party also called for action against the police officers involved and sought financial compensation for Mr. Islam’s family.
Mr. Islam, an advocate by profession and secretary of the Congress’ legal cell, hailed from Boko in southwestern Assam. His death has intensified the political blame game, with Congress accusing the BJP-led government of using excessive force to suppress dissent. Several individuals, including journalists, sustained injuries during the protest.
Journalists Condemn Attack on Press
The Guwahati Press Club condemned the incident, highlighting that several journalists covering the protest were injured in the tear gas shelling. On Thursday, its members demonstrated solidarity by wearing black badges, calling for accountability from the authorities.
Political Fallout and Reactions
State Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah, who was among those injured during the protest, accused the police of “murdering” Mr. Islam. He declared the deceased leader a “martyr” in the party’s “war against the corrupt BJP-led government.”
“This was not just excessive force; this was an attempt to silence democratic voices,” Mr. Borah stated. He also criticized the government’s decision to ban protests near the Governor’s residence, calling it an “authoritarian move” aimed at curbing opposition activities.
Other political parties joined the chorus of criticism. Akhil Gogoi’s Raijor Dal accused the State government of “intentionally using excessive force” against peaceful demonstrators. In a statement, the party called for stringent action against those responsible for Mr. Islam’s death and demanded the restoration of citizens’ rights to protest freely.
Government’s Response
The Chief Minister’s office maintained that the police’s actions were aimed at maintaining law and order. “Yesterday’s actions were necessary to prevent a potential breach of security at the Governor’s residence,” a government spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that any misuse of force, if proven, would be dealt with strictly.
Meanwhile, the administration’s decision to limit protest activities near Raj Bhavan has drawn criticism from civil rights organizations and activists.
Public Reactions
The incident has stirred mixed reactions among the public. While some citizens expressed concerns over the excessive use of force, others supported the government’s decision to designate specific areas for protests, citing security and convenience.
As the political storm over the incident intensifies, all eyes are now on the police investigation promised by the Chief Minister. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Assam’s political landscape, especially with opposition parties rallying around the issue to challenge the government’s policies and actions.
ALSO READ: Bangladesh Adviser’s Provocative Comments on Victory Day Spark Controversy
