Outrage Unleashed: Himanta Biswa Sarma Condemns Congress for Fueling Tensions During Sonapur Eviction Drive
At least three individuals suffered bullet wounds and 15 police officers, including a magistrate and a revenue circle officer, were injured in a violent clash that erupted during an eviction drive in Sonapur, Assam, on September 12. The government operation, intended to reclaim 200 bighas of disputed land in Kachutoli from alleged encroachers, turned tragic, leading to fatalities and multiple injuries.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma detailed that the situation was initially peaceful but escalated following intervention from members of the Congress party. Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia criticized the eviction drive, fueling tensions and provoking a violent reaction from locals. “The crowd, armed with lathis and bamboo sticks, attacked police personnel and officials, injuring 22 police officers and a Revenue Circle officer,” CM Sarma stated.
The conflict intensified when a significant number of local residents, who assert ownership of the disputed land, assaulted the police and administrative team. Law enforcement responded with force, opening fire to control the aggressive mob. Tragically, two individuals who were shot were transported to Sonapur District Hospital but succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, seven other people sustained injuries in the melee.
Eyewitnesses and officials described the scene as chaotic, with the crowd initially dispersing after the police response, only to regroup and continue their assault. “We attempted negotiations, but they attacked, prompting us to fire in self-defense,” recounted a police official at the site.
The eviction drive, managed by the Kamrup Metropolitan District authorities, was in its fourth day when violence broke out. Following the attack, authorities were compelled to withdraw to avoid further injuries. Although control has been restored, tensions remain high as the community contests the government’s claim of illegal occupation.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/himanta-biswa-sarma-accuses-congress-of-provoking-tensions-during-sonapur-eviction-drive-1091651-2024-09-12?utm_source=rssfeed
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