Protests Erupt in Chirang Over Knife Attack on Adivasi Youth
Community Outrage in Chirang
On December 29, a significant number of protesters from the Santal community gathered outside the Garubhasha police station in Chirang district, Assam, demanding the swift arrest of individuals responsible for a knife attack on a 24-year-old Adivasi man.
The demonstration was triggered by an incident where Simon Kisku, a resident of Nangdorbari under the jurisdiction of Sidli police station, was reportedly assaulted by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle.
According to police reports, the attack took place around 7 PM on Sunday while Kisku was walking in the Garubhasha area. The attackers stabbed him in the chest and abdomen before fleeing the scene.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dhruv Bora noted that the location of the attack lacked CCTV surveillance.
"The incident occurred within the limits of Nangdorbari under Sidli police station. The victim suffered injuries to his chest and stomach but is currently stable. We have launched an investigation and intensified efforts to locate the suspects," Bora stated.
Local residents promptly transported the injured youth to Kajalgaon JSB Civil Hospital, where he was later referred to Barpeta Medical College and Hospital for further treatment. Medical staff reported that his condition was stable.
"The patient arrived at the hospital around 7:40 PM. The injury was not severe, although parts of the intestine were visible. There was minimal bleeding. He has been referred to Barpeta Medical College for better care," a doctor from Kajalgaon JSB Civil Hospital explained.
As news of the attack spread, members of the Santal community and other tribal organizations protested and surrounded the Garubhasha police station.
Police officials and community leaders managed to convince the protesters to leave the station area peacefully, although many remained outside, demanding prompt action.
SSP Bora assured the protesters that the case was being treated with seriousness.
"We stand with the community and are addressing this matter with the utmost urgency. I urge everyone to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Please allow us time to apprehend the criminals," he cautioned, warning that prolonged protests could hinder the investigation.
Sidli MLA Nirmal Kumar Brahma, who visited the crime scene alongside Lok Sabha MP Joyanta Basumatary, condemned the incident and called for the immediate apprehension of the attackers.
"I have urged the police to ensure the swift arrest of the culprits and to impose strict penalties," Brahma stated.
The All Assam Adivasi Students’ Union condemned the attack, alleging that the Santal community has been repeatedly targeted in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
The organization also expressed concerns regarding drug abuse, illegal picnic spots, and alleged police negligence.
"Why does the Santal community in Assam, particularly in BTR, have to endure such violence repeatedly?" questioned a member of the student organization.
The Santal Students’ Union demanded that the culprits be arrested within 24 hours, warning of escalated protests if no action was taken.
"We call on the administration to apprehend the offenders within 24 hours, or we will intensify our protests," a union representative warned.