Assam Students Protest Demanding ST Status: Gaurav Gogoi Slams Police Lathi-Charge, CM Himanta Orders Probe

The Assam Police’s crackdown on students of Koch-Rajbongshi protest in Golakganj area drew sharp criticism from Opposition Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, leading 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) took out a torch procession demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and a separate state, news agency PTI reported.

The protesters were marching from Chilarai College to Golakganj Bazaar and were stopped by police and paramilitary forces. A fight broke out, leading to a relay 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.

Gaurav Gogoi slams police

Deputy leader of Congress 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 expressing their rightful demand for scheduled tribal 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 and young youth stands,” Gogoi added, while sharing the video of the incident.

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In another post, he urged Prime Minister Modi to fulfill the BJP’s promises and demanded that the original service be “immediately withdrawn” from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Six communities in Assam, namely Koch-Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran and Thé, have demanded inclusion in the ST list. AKRSU is also pushing for a separate state ‘Kamatapur’.

CM SARMA ORDERS SAPE

Assam CM Himanta Sarma on September 11 termed the police action to protest against the students as “profoundly sadder” and announced an inquiry into the matter.

“Whatever happened in Golakganj is sad. Yesterday, I sent Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah to the spot and ordered the suspension of the responsible officer. An investigation has been launched, and within five days, we will receive the report. Any police personnel found guilty of using force beyond what was necessary, will face legal action” Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Polls.

“Whoever is named in the investigation, we will not spare them. Steps will be taken to ensure that these incidents are not repeated,” he added.

The chief minister’s office said Mallabaruah visited Dhubri to meet the injured, arranged medical support and held discussions with community leaders to maintain peace, according to PTI.