Tensions ran high outside the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday as residents evicted from Guwahati’s Silsako area staged a forceful protest, demanding compensation and immediate rehabilitation. The protesters, many of whom were women and children, expressed their frustration at the government’s alleged neglect of indigenous Assamese families, who they claim have been left homeless due to recent eviction drives.
Evicted Silsako Residents Clash with Police
The protest took a chaotic turn when a heated altercation erupted between the police and the demonstrators outside Assam Legislative Assembly. Amid the scuffle, a woman police officer was seen slapping one of the female protesters, an incident that further inflamed the crowd. The shocking scene was met with outrage, leading to even more tension as the protesters refused to back down.
Carrying placards and raising slogans, the Silsako protesters accused the Assam government of prioritizing the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi migrants over the welfare of native Assamese people. “Is Ajmal more important than indigenous people of Assam?” shouted the crowd, referring to their belief that the government is overlooking their plight while accommodating others. The atmosphere grew increasingly volatile as protesters voiced their anger at what they see as a betrayal by the state authorities.
Evicted Families Demand Land and Compensation
The evicted families from Silsako have been vocal about their demands for rehabilitation and compensation. They argue that while the government has been quick to resettle outsiders, it has ignored the suffering of indigenous Assamese families who have been uprooted from their homes. “We have been protesting to get back our lands for over two years,” said one female protester. “The Assam Government always diverts the issue when we want to sit for deliberations. We need our land by any means. Our protests will continue until our demand is fulfilled.”
Evicted Silsako Protesters also expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to deliver on promises made during the eviction process. “This government demolished our homes with the promise of making the city flood-free. Is the city flood-free now?” asked another protester. The demonstrators argued that despite being forced out of their homes, the promised improvements have not materialized, leaving them with nothing but broken promises.
Police Fails to Control the Situation
In an effort to control the escalating situation, a large contingent of police personnel, including women officers, was deployed to the scene. However, their presence did little to calm the protesters, who remained defiant in the face of attempts to disperse them. Some protesters were forcibly dragged away by the police, further igniting anger and resentment among the crowd. Despite the heavy police presence, the protesters refused to leave the Assembly premises, vowing to continue their fight until their demands are met.
The protest by the evicted Silsako residents highlights the growing frustration and anger among indigenous Assamese communities who feel neglected by the government. As the situation outside the Assam Assembly remains tense, it is clear that the struggle for justice and rehabilitation is far from over. The defiance of the protesters serves as a powerful reminder of the deep-rooted issues facing Assam’s indigenous people, and their determination to fight for their rights in the face of adversity.
