The Assam Police's crackdown on the protesting Koch-Rajbongshi students in Golakganj region has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, which led to CM Himanta ordering a probe into the incident.
The unrest began on the night of Wednesday, September 10, when the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students' Union (AKRSU) organised a torchlight procession demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and a separate state, reported news agency PTI.
The protestors were marching from Chilarai College to Golakganj Bazaar, and were stopped by police and paramilitary forces. A scuffle erupted, leading to a baton charge that left many people injured, including women.
In retaliation, AKRSU called a 12-hour bandh on Thursday, September 11, which affected normal life in Dhubri district.
Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi strongly condemned the incident.
"I strongly condemn the brutal assault on Koch-Rajbongshi students in Golakganj who were peacefully voicing their rightful demand for Scheduled Tribe status," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"This shameful incident exposes the Assam government's disregard for the rights and dignity of indigenous communities. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's indifference towards indigenous people & youth stands exposed," Gogoi added, while sharing the video of the incident.
In another post, he urged PM Modi to fulfil the BJP's promises, and demanded that the Home Department should be "immediately removed" from the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Six communities in Assam, namely, Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes, have been demanding inclusion in the ST list. The AKRSU is also pressing for a separate 'Kamatapur' state.
Assam CM Himanta Sarma on September 11, termed the police action on protesting students as "deeply saddening" and announced a probe in the matter.
"Whatever happened in Golakganj is saddening. Yesterday, I sent Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah to the spot and ordered the suspension of the Officer-in-Charge. An enquiry has been initiated, and within five days we will receive the report. Any police personnel found guilty of using force beyond what was required, will face strict action," Sarma was quoted as saying by The Assam Tribune, on the sidelines of a public meeting in Udalguri ahead of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) polls.
"Whichever police official’s name comes up in the enquiry, we will not spare them. Action will be taken to ensure such incidents are not repeated," he added.
The Chief Minister's Office stated that Mallabaruah visited Dhubri to meet the injured, arranged medical support and held discussions with community leaders to maintain peace, as per PTI.
