The Assam State Committee of the CPI(M) on Wednesday organised a large-scale “March to Dispur” protest in Guwahati, demanding immediate relief and rehabilitation for flood-affected people in Upper Assam and a judicial inquiry into the causes of the recent devastating floods.
The party also called for the declaration of the Upper Assam floods as a “calamity of severe nature”, the creation of a North East Flood Management Authority, recognition of Assam’s flood and erosion crisis as a national issue, and urgent measures to control rising prices of essential commodities. Protesters additionally demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Thousands of people from across Assam travelled to Guwahati to take part in the programme. However, police and civil authorities imposed heavy restrictions, barricading key entry points into the city and detaining large numbers of protesters. Several scuffles were reported between demonstrators and security personnel.
At Guwahati Railway Station, thousands of protesters reportedly broke through police barricades and marched towards the designated gathering point at Volvo Point. Many were later intercepted and taken to the Chachal protest ground, where they were detained.
According to the CPI(M), more than 2,000 protesters were detained, including senior party leaders such as State Secretary Suprakash Talukdar, Central Committee member Isfaqur Rahman and veteran leader Deben Bhattacharya.
Despite the restrictions, the party submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister through police officials at the Chachal protest ground. The CPI(M) strongly condemned the police action, accusing the state administration of suppressing democratic protests and failing to provide adequate support to flood victims.
The party reiterated its demand for long-term measures to address Assam’s recurring flood and erosion problems and ensure justice for those affected.