Assam: violence

The killing of three persons and injuries to 60 others may not be big news in Assam. But when it is followed by questionable statements made by persons in power, it acquires a logic of its own. On June 22, the police opened fire on protesters who had gathered at the Dispur Last gate area, demanding a halt to the ongoing eviction drive in the hill area and wetlands. Starting off as a peaceful rally, it turned violent when the administration declined to accept their memorandum.

The agitators resorted to stone pelting which led to a baton charge by the police and when three police vehicles were torched and many others damaged, the armed police went on to the rampage.  Though the deputy commissioner of Kamrup metro reached the spot and attempted in vain to save the situation, Congress minister Himanta Biswa Sarmah, who arrived on the spot had other ideas. Starting of by saying that the state government would not negotiate with any organisation that resorts to violence, he suddenly went ballistic. Also, he warned no demonstration would be allowed in the state.

“The deputy commissioner of the district will examine very carefully the past record and history of the organisation before he gives it permission to organise a rally,” Sarmah asserted. In a state where agitations are a way of life, such statements can prove inflammatory. It soon led to sharp protests, mainly by opposition parties. Said senior advocate and BJP leader R.P. Sarma: “This declaration by a government spokesman and the cabinet minister only proves the point that this government does not believe in democratic values.” Pointed out general secretary of the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad Manju Barua: “The government’s fascist nature is revealed in the speech of the health minister. It is an unacceptable remark.” Till now the government has not reacted.