STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI, Jan 16: Following a call made by the 'All India Congress Committee' (AICC), the 'All Assam Pradesh Congress Committee' (APCC) organized 'Kishan Adhikar Divas' at the Lakhsminath Bezbaruah Chowk or Rotary point in Guwahati Club here on Saturday.
As part of their programme, the APCC members were planning to gherao the Raj Bhawan. However, the personnel of the police and district administration stopped the hundreds of slogan-shouting demonstrators at the Rotary point. The APCC members were led by APCC president Ripun Bora and MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Pradyut Bordoloi, MLA Rakibul Hussain and other senior Congress leaders. The demonstrators raised their voices against the three farm Acts, rise in prices of petrol, diesel, LPG, and essential commodities.
At around noon, the situation turned chaotic as tussles ensued between the demonstrators and the security personnel present there. A few demonstrators even broke the barricades put up by the administration at the Chowk. At one point of time, APCC president Bora was seen climbing over a barricade. However, he was immediately lifted off from the spot by the police. The demonstrators protested this move, and the situation turned worse. Finally the security personnel detained the majority of the APCC members and took them in buses to the 10th APBn (Assam Police Battalion) complex where they were kept under tight security for a few hours.
After being released, Bora told the media at Rajiv Bhawan here, "We had prior permission from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Security & Intelligence) to carry out today's demonstration. But, even after that we were not allowed to proceed with our protest programme on vital issues confronted by the masses. What is more, the Police even restrained our members from arriving here from various other districts.
"We have taken up this issue seriously. The State administration and the Police force are merely working at the behest of the ruling coalition. First, the APCC seeks an explanation from the State Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Assam. We'll also appeal to the High Court in this regard. Moreover, we are going to move the Election Commission of India as well."
Bora further posed, "Why did a Police officer bring out his revolver from the holster? In the process, the revolver fell on the ground. He did pick it up from the ground. What compelled him to take out his firearm? We demand an inquiry into the incident. Action must be taken against the police officer! He must be punished."
The APCC president alleged, "The present government fears the demonstrators. The above incident exposes the blueprint of the powers that be to kill Congress members and leaders."
Bora further announced, "The APCC will again carry out bicycle rallies as part of the protest demonstrations in the Blocks. Our members will also carry out demonstrations in front of the Circle Offices and the SDO (Sub Divisional Officer) offices."
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