Protests Erupt in Sribhumi Demanding Justice for Bihu Troupe Attack
Protests Demand Justice
AASU protest in Sribhumi
The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) spearheaded the demonstration, voicing their outrage over the reported mistreatment of Assamese individuals and calling for stringent action against the perpetrators.
Chanting slogans like “Ei jui jolise” and “We want justice”, the protesters submitted a memorandum to local authorities.
One protester expressed, “The harassment of the Assamese people will not be tolerated. Do they think we are complacent?”
A representative from the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam condemned the incident, stating it has left many in the state feeling disheartened.
“Barak Valley is part of Assam, and the attackers targeted Assamese individuals. The community is upset and angry. If such attacks continue, we face troubling times ahead,” the representative remarked.
In related developments, Assam's Director General of Police, Harmeet Singh, announced that four additional suspects have been apprehended in connection with the incident, bringing the total number of arrests to 17.
The newly arrested individuals have been identified as Sumit Kumar Das, Priyanshu Pal, Arnab Kumar Roy, and Priyanshu Das.
Singh stated, “In relation to the attack on the Bihu troupe in Sribhumi, four more individuals were arrested last night and are being presented before the Hon’ble Court. This adds to the thirteen previously detained, totaling 17 arrests.”
He emphasized that the Assam Police is dedicated to enforcing the law, protecting citizens' rights, maintaining peace, and ensuring justice for all involved.
These latest arrests followed police operations conducted on Sunday under the orders of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Earlier, 13 members of the Hindustan Club, which organized the Bihu performances during the final idol immersion procession, were also arrested.
Following the Chief Minister's instructions, Minister Krishnendu Paul and Badarpur MLA Bijoy Malakar visited the affected villages of Bargul and Adarkona to meet with the Bihu troupe members and gather information about the incident.
Paul condemned the attack and urged the public not to interpret the situation through an Assamese-Bengali lens, highlighting the importance of unity.
“Bihu is not merely a festival; it embodies the spirit of Assam and its people. It is a source of pride for every Assamese. This act was committed by a few miscreants, and we strongly denounce it. We have engaged with the local community, and the police will take appropriate actions. Our message is clear: we stand united. We are all Assamese, not divided by ethnicity,” he stated.
Health Minister Ashok Singhal also expressed his dismay over the incident and acknowledged the reports of arrests.
When questioned about the possibility of bail for the accused, Singhal noted that such matters must follow legal procedures.
“That is a legal process. An accused may be granted bail after arrest; one cannot expect immediate severe penalties,” he remarked on Monday.
The altercation occurred on October 23, stemming from a misunderstanding that escalated during the Bihu procession.
This incident has sparked considerable controversy throughout Assam in recent days.