Guwahati, Feb 4: Over 200 leaders and workers of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) were detained by Guwahati city police from Bhetapara on Tuesday as they attempted to march towards Janata Bhawan at Dispur and the Directorate of Elementary Education at Kahilipara demanding land rights to the people living in char areas (sand bars) of the state.
The demonstrators, also demanded, the recruitment of Arabi teachers in schools and colleges, and the repeal of the controversial Wakf Bill. They were stopped at Bhetapara Bridge and later taken to the 4th APBN camp in Kahilipara.
AIUDF general secretary Haidar Borah claimed that several hundred more protesters were detained across the city and in other districts while en route to Guwahati for the demonstration.
The protest, initially scheduled for 11 AM, was delayed after police and paramilitary forces cordoned off the AIUDF office in Hatigaon, preventing leaders and supporters from mobilizing.
Condemning the crackdown, AIUDF president and former MP Maulana Badruddin Ajmal stated, “It is unfortunate that the police detained unarmed protesters who were fighting for their legitimate right to land ownership in char areas.” The protest was organized by AIUDF’s student and youth wings, with key party leaders, including Hafiz Rafikul Islam (general secretary, organization), Ashraful Hussain (AIUDF Youth Wing president & MLA), Siddique Ali Thakuria (general secretary), Nasim Ahmed, Anayatul Wadud al-Basar, Mehdi Hasan Khan (Youth Wing general secretary, administration), and advocate Hasina Ahmed (Women’s Wing president), actively participating in the demonstration.
