Chief Minister Launches Urgent Inquiry and Tightens Security After ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ Protest Sparks Controversy
In an intense aftermath of the “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest in Guwahati, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a formal investigation after the death of a Congress party worker, Mridul Islam. In response to Wednesday’s turmoil, Sarma confirmed via a social media statement that an FIR would be filed, and a thorough inquiry would be conducted. Authorities plan to scrutinize protest footage to understand the sequence of events that led to the chaos. Sarma also stated that future protests would be banned near Raj Bhavan, emphasizing the government’s resolve to uphold public order.
The protest, featuring thousands of Congress supporters, was fueled by issues such as smart meter installations, the Manipur crisis, accusations against the Adani Group, and the contentious “One Nation, One Election” Bill. Tensions escalated as police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, injuring several protesters and journalists.
Tragically, Mridul Islam collapsed and died amid the pandemonium. Guwahati Commissioner of Police, Diganta Barah, noted that Islam was reportedly unwell prior to the protest and exhibited no external injuries. An autopsy will pinpoint the cause of death.
To maintain order, a prohibitory order was enforced by the district administration within a one-kilometer radius of Dispur capital complex, limiting gatherings to five people under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Reacting to the event’s coverage, members of the Gauhati Press Club staged a protest condemning the police’s use of tear gas on journalists, describing it as a “targeted attack.” They demanded the introduction of a Journalist Safety Act to ensure reporters’ safety during such events. The protest further highlighted tensions between the Congress protesters and authorities, as attempts were made to breach the police barricades and approach Raj Bhavan, drawing criticism about maintaining peace and order amidst such politically charged activities.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/chief-minister-announces-inquiry-into-raj-bhavan-chalo-protest-tightens-security-1561682
Category : Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2024-12-19 18:10:00
