Chaotic scenes unfolded outside the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as evicted residents from Guwahati’s Silsako area staged fierce protests, demanding compensation and immediate rehabilitation. The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting slogans, accused the state government of neglecting indigenous Assamese families while allegedly prioritizing settlements for illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
Evicted Silsako Residents Clash with Police
The evicted families from Silsako have been vocal in their demand for rehabilitation. They argue that while the government is making provisions for outsiders, it has failed to address the plight of indigenous Assamese families who have been left homeless by the eviction drive. The protestors vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands for land restoration and compensation are met.
The protest quickly escalated into a heated confrontation between the police and the demonstrators. During the scuffle, a woman police officer was seen slapping a female protestor, igniting further outrage among the crowd. The incident intensified the protests, with demonstrators condemning the police action as an abuse of power and demanding accountability.
Shouting slogans like “Is Ajmal more important than indigenous people of Assam?” the protestors expressed their frustration with the government’s handling of the situation. One of the female protestors stated, “We have been fighting for our land for over two years. The Assam government always sidesteps the issue when we seek dialogue. We need our land back by any means necessary. Our protests will continue until our demands are fulfilled.”
Another protestor from Silsako voiced concerns over the state government’s promises, saying, “We want our lands back, and we also want compensation. We are the indigenous people of Assam. Why should we be forced to leave our state? This government demolished our homes with the promise of making the city flood-free. Is the city flood-free now?”
Police Presence Fails to Quell the Unrest
Despite the heavy deployment of police personnel, including women officers, the situation remained tense. The police forcibly dragged away several evicted Silsako protestors, further fueling anger and resentment among the crowd. Efforts by the authorities to disperse the demonstrators were met with defiance, as the protestors refused to leave the Assam Legislative Assembly premises.
A Continued Fight for Land and Rights
As the protestors stood their ground, the standoff highlighted the growing discontent among the indigenous population over the government’s eviction policies. The demand for justice, compensation, and land restoration continues to drive the protests, with no resolution in sight. The incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of indigenous communities and the state’s commitment to addressing their grievances.
Also Read: Guwahati Gears Up for ‘Lavanya 2024’: A Grand Celebration of Assam’s Folk Dance Heritage
