Protest affects normal life in Diphu; prohibitory order imposed

DIPHU — Diphu and several other towns wore a deserted look on Friday with business establishments remaining closed and vehicles keeping off the road in view of the protest organised over the attack on participants of a demonstration called by the Autonomous State Demand Committee Youth Front and the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA) at Kheroni in West Karbi Anglong on Thursday.

The demonstration was held in front of the ARO office, Dongkamukam, opposing the demand of Rachnatmak Nonia Sangyukta Sangh (RNSS) to protect the land rights of the settlers on VGR/PGR land in West Karbi Anglong, Assam. However, a mob attacked the protestors who were returning to Diphu, and injured 15 of them.

Longbirsing Tisso, president of the Bokajan district committee, who was also injured during the attack by the mob said that a mob attacked them and the cars they were travellng in, with bamboo.

In a press conference convened by the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) on Friday, president and former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Jotson Bey said that the KSA and ASDC Youth Front members were attacked while returning after a peaceful demonstration.

‘Our first demand is that all the attackers should be arrested and sent to jail. Secondly, as it is a reserve land, whoever settles are encroachers. As they are encroachers, they should be immediately evicted,’ Bey said.

Bey also informed that the protest will continue until the KAAC authority invites them for discussion with the RNSS members on the PGR/VGR land issue. He added that neither the ASDC nor KSA had called for the closure on Friday.

In another press conference, KSA condemned Thursday’s incident and called for immediate arrest of all the attackers within 48 hours. Meanwhile, its president Mirjeng Kro said called to maintain peace and normalcy.

The president of Karbi Anglong Bhojpuri Samaj, SP Mahato, also condemned the incident and demanded arrest of those involved in the attack.

Section 144 of CrPC clamped

Meanwhile, Madhumita Bhagwati, District Magistrate of Karbi Anglong, has imposed prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC in Karbi Anglong district, citing the possibility of certain organization causing disturbance to public peace and tranquillity in the wake of the situation arising out of the incident in West Karbi Anglong district.

As per the prohibitory order, “obstruction/picketing/rally/ Moshal procession/ in front of offices, public places or any other places of public importance by forming an assembly of 5 or more persons”, carrying of firearms, public meetings and rallies without permission from the District magistrate, inflammatory speeches, etc., are prohibited in the district.

“This order shall come into force with immediate effect. Any violation of the order will result in prosecution as per provisions of Indian Penal Cade. Given under my hand and seal on this 16th day of February, 2024,” it stated.