Assam Government Launches Inquiry into Kokrajhar Protest Incident

The Assam Government has set up a Commission of Inquiry, led by Justice H. N. Sarma, to investigate the protest incident at the Bodoland Territorial Council Secretariat. This inquiry aims to uncover the reasons behind the protest by Bodoland University students and assess the response from local authorities. The Commission will examine allegations of vandalism and the adequacy of the administrative response. Written statements from the public and involved parties are being solicited to aid the investigation, which is expected to clarify the events and accountability surrounding the protest. The inquiry process is set to unfold with hearings scheduled in the near future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 16:30 IST

Investigation into Kokrajhar Protest

Kokrajhar, March 6: The Assam Government has established a one-person Commission of Inquiry led by former Gauhati High Court judge Justice H. N. Sarma. This commission aims to investigate the events surrounding the protest that occurred at the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Secretariat on November 29, 2025.

The inquiry is being conducted under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, focusing on the factors that triggered the protest by student groups from Bodoland University and the subsequent developments during the agitation.

A public notice from the Commission's office outlines the inquiry's focus areas.

Key points of investigation include understanding the reasons behind the Bodoland University students' protest and detailing the sequence of events that led to their march towards the BTC Secretariat. The Commission will also look into claims of barricade breaches, unauthorized entry into the premises, and vandalism during the protest.

Another significant aspect of the inquiry will be to evaluate the response from the District Administration, police, and BTC Secretariat officials during the incident. The Commission will assess whether there were any shortcomings in the authorities' ability to foresee, prevent, or manage the situation effectively.

Furthermore, the inquiry will analyze the damage inflicted on public property and the disruption of official activities caused by the protest.

The Commission has called for written statements or representations from the Assam Government, Bodoland Territorial Council, Bodoland University, affected individuals, organizations, and the general public familiar with the incident.

According to the notice, submissions can be made individually or collectively by groups, and must include the full name, postal address, and contact number of the submitter.

Those providing statements are also required to attach any supporting documents and a list of witnesses, including their addresses and contact information.

All written submissions must be accompanied by an affidavit affirming the facts presented.

Submissions should be made in triplicate, either in person during office hours or through authorized representatives to the Commission's office. They can also be sent via registered or speed post, ensuring they arrive by March 26, 2026.

Submissions may also be routed through the District Commissioner’s office in Kokrajhar, via Assistant Commissioner Subham Sinha, who will forward them to the Commission.

The Commission will later announce the schedule for hearings and evidence recording, exercising its powers under Section 8 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

This inquiry is anticipated to clarify the circumstances leading to the protest and evaluate the accountability of the various authorities involved in managing the situation at the BTC Secretariat.