President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Bhupen Borah along with senior party leaders Ripun Bora, Uday Bhanu Chib, and spokesperson Ratul Kalita, was arrested on Friday during a protest demanding justice for the death of Congress worker Mridul Islam.
The arrests occurred at Hatigaon point in Guwahati amidst heightened tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah was present at the site.
The authorities had earlier imposed prohibitory orders in Dispur area, preventing any gathering of people, an officer said.
The Congress’ protest stems from the death of Mridul Islam, who was killed during a demonstration outside the Raj Bhavan on December 18.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a police inquiry, yet protests have continued to escalate.
Guwahati police have since registered a suo-moto case citing disturbances caused during the Raj Bhavan Cholo protest.
Police deployment and escalation
Earlier on Friday, a large police presence was observed at the Assam Secretariat and the Congress office near Rajdhani Masjid in Guwahati. Congress workers had gathered in significant numbers to sustain their protests.
Despite police barricades, a scuffle erupted as demonstrators defied restrictions and pressed ahead with their march.
On the other hand, India Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib, was detained by the police early in the morning, in a hotel in Guwahati’s Manik Nagar area on Friday morning.
Reports suggest that Chib had travelled to Guwahati intending to participate in the APCC protest.
Police stationed outside the hotel reportedly restricted his communication by barring the use of his phone.
CM Sarma's allegations
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress leaders of instigating unrest.
Speaking to the mediapersons, Sarma alleged, “Be it Bhupen Borah, Ripun Bora, or any other Congress leader, they are trying to instigate a firing incident in Guwahati. There seems to be a competition among a few Congress leaders to outshine each other, and in this process, they are attempting to captivate public attention at any cost.”
Sarma also cautioned against the dangers of provocation, stating, “Once a firing incident occurs, the bullet does not discriminate—it can harm anyone. Since yesterday, they have been attempting to demonstrate in different areas and damage public property. Political parties should channel their protests through ballot boxes, not through acts of vandalism.”
Why is Congress protesting in Assam?
The Congress’ Raj Bhavan Cholo protest, which began on December 18, aimed to address various issues, including the alleged misuse of smart meters, controversies surrounding Adani, and the situation in Manipur.
However, the death of Mridul Islam has become a focal point, intensifying public outcry and political clashes.
As tensions rise, the Assam government remains vigilant. “The situation is being taken seriously and developments are under close watch,” said Chief Minister Sarma.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders, currently detained at the 10th APBn in Kahilipara, continue to face charges relating to the protests.
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