The President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Gaurav Gogoi, has strongly condemned the violent incidents that broke out outside Baksa District Jail on Tuesday. Calling the events “unprecedented and unfortunate,” Gogoi said that lapses by the police and the Home Department were the main reasons behind the unrest. In his statement, Gogoi said that the people of Assam are deeply hurt and emotional after the death of popular singer Zubeen Garg. He added that people’s demand for justice is genuine, but taking the law into one’s own hands will not bring justice. He appealed to everyone to stay calm, maintain peace, and let the legal process take its course. Gogoi further urged the authorities to carry out a fair and transparent investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death so that the truth can come out and the guilty can be punished.
He expressed disappointment that the police failed to anticipate the situation and prevent violence. Gogoi said that both the police and the Home Department should have taken proper measures to ensure public safety and manage the crowd. According to him, this failure from both departments allowed the situation to spiral out of control. The APCC chief also voiced concern over the injuries suffered by journalists who were present at the site to report the incident. Reports suggest that several journalists were hurt while covering the unrest, and a news vehicle belonging to DY365 was set on fire. Gogoi condemned the attack on media persons, saying that journalists perform their duty in difficult situations and must be given full protection. He said that violence against the press is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Calling for restraint, Gogoi appealed to the public not to let emotions override reason. He said that this is a sensitive time for Assam, and all sections of society must come together to maintain peace and dignity while pursuing justice for Zubeen Garg. Gogoi also urged the government to take responsibility and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.