Guwahati, Dec 20: The Assam government has banned protests near Raj Bhavan following the death of Congress worker Mridul Islam during the “Raj Bhavan Chalo” protest on Wednesday. The protest turned chaotic as participants clashed with the police, who resorted to using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Police used tear gas to control the situation during the march organised by Congress, resulting in the death of Mridul Islam, an advocate, who reportedly suffered from tear gas exposure.
Journalists covering the event also reported tear gas-related discomfort.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday announced the prohibition of protests near Raj Bhavan and said a designated protest ground will now be allocated for demonstrations.
Sarma emphasized that Raj Bhavan, representing the institution of the Governor, must remain above political conflicts.
“The institution of the Governor stands above partisan politics. Yesterday, Congress party leaders attempted to forcibly enter Raj Bhavan by breaching police barricades and causing chaos in the vicinity. The police will register an FIR and conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident, including a review of video recordings. Henceforth, no demonstrations will be permitted near Raj Bhavan. A designated area has already been allocated for protests and demonstrations,” Sarma said.
The chief minister said an FIR will be registered, and a thorough investigation, including reviewing video footage, will be conducted. Police claimed that no force was used during the incident.
Sarma criticized Congress leaders, accusing them of attempting to breach police barricades and creating chaos.
He pointed out that the protest lacked official permission and questioned its purpose, noting that the Governor was not present at Raj Bhavan during the demonstration.
Sarma also blamed internal competition among Congress leaders for escalating the situation, suggesting it was an effort to gain attention from Rahul Gandhi.
