GUWAHATI: Assam opposition party Raijor Dal staged a protest outside the Minister’s Colony in Guwahati on Thursday, October 8, demanding immediate and adequate relief for people affected by the recent floods in Upper Assam.
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The Chief Minister’s residence is located in the Minister’s Colony. A large number of protesters gathered at the site following a call by Raijor Dal leaders and leaders of supporting organisations.
Carrying black flags and raising slogans, the protesters demanded ₹25,000 in immediate relief for every flood-affected family and ₹10 lakh for businesses affected by the floods. They particularly sought assistance for affected people in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat.
A heavy police presence was deployed around the Chief Minister’s residence as the protesters gathered. Police intervened when the protesters attempted to move towards the residence and detained several people.
Those detained included Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti general secretary Bidyut Saikia and Raijor Dal leader Dhoirya Konwar. Several other party workers and supporters were also detained and taken away by police.
Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat were among the areas badly affected by the floods, with families reporting damage to homes, agricultural land and other properties.
The Assam government, meanwhile, has maintained that interim assistance has already been disbursed to affected families. On August 17, the government said ₹15,000 each had been provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 96,842 families across four worst-hit Upper Assam districts.
