The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) on Monday intensified its demand for justice following a violent altercation in Guwahati's Arya Nagar locality, submitting a memorandum to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metropolitan). The student body has warned of sustained protests across the region until concrete action is taken regarding the alleged assault on an Assamese youth during the incident.
The clash, which erupted on Sunday, reportedly originated from a resident-led protest against the alleged sale of illicit marijuana in the area. However, the focus of the protest soon shifted to the identities of the alleged peddlers. Reports suggest that videos circulating on social media purportedly show members of a non-Assamese community raising the slogan "Assamese Go Back," which is believed to have significantly escalated tensions. The ensuing violence resulted in injuries to an Assamese youth, a police personnel, and a journalist.
Addressing the press after presenting the memorandum, AASU president Utpal Sarma sharply criticised Central Guwahati MLA Vijay Gupta for his perceived silence on the matter. Sarma questioned the MLA's commitment, recalling Gupta's pre-election claims of being Assamese. The student leader emphasised that now is the time for the elected representative to demonstrate his solidarity and ensure justice for the local community.
AASU has unequivocally stated that their agitation will continue until the authorities take appropriate measures to address the incident and ensure the safety and dignity of the Assamese community in the area, which falls within MLA Gupta's constituency.
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