Indus Valley Times

BY DALIM PHUKAN

ASSAM/GUWAHATI, OCT 8 : Along with nationwide demonstrations, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organized widespread protest programs across Assam today, condemning the atrocities committed by Delhi Police against Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi, and other MPs of the INDIA bloc, while demanding accountability from the Election Commission.

 Protesting against authoritarian attacks on Indian democracy and demanding the protection of citizens’ voting rights as well as transparency in the electoral process, a massive ‘Black Day’ protest was observed statewide in coordination with District and Block Congress Committees.

As part of this program, Guwahati City District Congress, with the support of the Pradesh Congress, took out a massive protest rally from the party’s state headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan. As the rally advanced, police barricaded the road and attempted to forcefully halt the march.

Undeterred by the police obstruction, Congress leaders and workers continued their peaceful democratic protest demanding the protection of voting rights and electoral transparency. However, when protesters attempted to push past the barricades, police launched a brutal crackdown on the peaceful demonstrators.  

Former APCC President and former MP Ripun Bora was seriously injured during the police action and intense scuffle. He sustained severe injuries as police personnel forcibly dragged him out. He was immediately rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he received four stitches on his leg and was admitted for medical treatment. Numerous other Congress workers also sustained injuries to their chest, abdomen, and legs due to the police assault.