Raijor Dal Protests for Flood Compensation in Guwahati

In Guwahati, Raijor Dal staged a protest demanding compensation for flood-affected families, leading to several detentions. Protesters criticized the government for failing to provide promised relief funds. Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi has been on an indefinite sit-in, urging for increased compensation and a CBI inquiry into the flooding causes. The Assam government claims it has distributed interim assistance, but many victims feel neglected. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the government and affected communities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 8, 2026, 15:05 IST

Protest Against Government's Inaction

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets carrying black flags and raising slogans against the government.

Guwahati, Oct 8: On Thursday, numerous members of Raijor Dal were apprehended during a demonstration outside Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s residence in Dispur, where they demanded compensation for families affected by floods in Upper Assam.

Protesters, waving black flags and chanting slogans against the government, attempted to breach police barricades to reach the Chief Minister’s residence, leading to several detentions.

Among those taken into custody were Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti's general secretary Bidyut Saikia and Raijor Dal leader Dhorjyo Kowar, who were reportedly forcibly removed by police.

The detained individuals were transported in a bus while chanting slogans such as “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Joi Aai Axom.”

During the protest, Saikia criticized the government for its inadequate response to the needs of flood victims.

“Himanta Biswa Sarma has misappropriated funds from the CM’s relief account. He has failed to provide necessary compensation to those affected by the floods. The relief funds intended for the people have been seized by the BJP, the Sivasagar DC, and other officials,” he stated.

One protester expressed frustration over the government's repeated failures to meet its commitments, saying, “We have urged the government multiple times, yet our demands remain unaddressed. The promised Rs 15,000 immediate relief for flood-affected families has not been delivered. This is disgraceful. We will not relent until our demands are met.”

This protest follows Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi's call for increased agitation regarding flood compensation.

Gogoi's indefinite sit-in at the Assam Legislative Assembly has now reached its seventh day. He announced that he has completed 144 hours of protest and will continue without further appeals to the government.

“I will no longer request action from the Assam government. Despite my sit-in at the Assembly, the government’s arrogance towards the people of Assam is evident. It is time for the people of Assam, Raijor Dal, and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti to decide,” Gogoi told reporters on October 8.

He is advocating for increased compensation for families impacted by floods in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, including a demand for Rs 10 lakh for each affected family. Additionally, he has called for a CBI investigation into the flooding causes and further rehabilitation measures.

In response, the Assam government has asserted that interim assistance has been provided to affected families. On August 17, the government announced that Rs 15,000 had been distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer to 96,842 families in the four most severely impacted Upper Assam districts.

The government had previously declared Rs 15,000 in interim aid for eligible flood-affected families, with the first payment issued in August.

The floods that hit Upper Assam starting July 19 caused extensive damage and resulted in over 100 fatalities in the state. According to ASDMA data, the death toll reached 105 by August 18, with Sivasagar recording the highest number of deaths among the affected areas.