The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) held a statewide protest today in Assam, with rallies in Guwahati and district headquarters, demanding immediate government action to curb soaring prices of essential commodities and calling on the Prime Minister to publish a white paper on the country’s current economic situation.
AASU said prices of basic items-rice, pulses, edible oil, milk, eggs, petrol, diesel and life‑saving medicines-have risen sharply over the past few days, and that a recent spike in fuel costs has intensified the burden on consumers. District units staged demonstrations in their respective headquarters to press for price control measures.
AASU chief adviser Dr. Samajjal Bhattacharjya, president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Samiran Phukon joined the rally in Guwahati, organised by the All Kamrup (Metro) District AASU with support from the All Guwahati Students’ Union (AGSU). Students carried placards and chanted slogans demanding accountability from the state and central governments.
Dr. Bhattacharjya said the public is “forced to endure the consequences of rising prices” and urged both governments to check the surge. He warned that the students’ agitation would not stop until effective steps were taken, adding, “Our agitation will continue until the government checks the price rise.”
He also referred to a recent appeal by the Prime Minister urging citizens to adopt austerity measures and asked for clarity about the national economy’s health. “The Prime Minister needs to publish a white paper on the current economic status of the country,” he said.
AASU president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Samiran Phukon criticised the government’s silence as price rises continued to “burn holes in consumers’ pockets,” pointing to the rising cost of commercial LPG cylinders and the knock‑on effect on small restaurants, tea stalls and college hostels. They said prolonged inaction leaves them no option but to continue protests.
The AASU said its demonstrations aim to pressure authorities into transparent reporting and concrete relief measures for consumers and small businesses. The student body warned it will sustain its agitation until the centre and state take tangible steps to control inflation and ease the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Original Source: https://www.sentinelassam.com/topheadlines/all-assam-students-union-protests-statewide-against-price-spike
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Publish Date: 2026-05-23 07:42:00
