Violence Erupts in Assam's Khowang During Polling
Tensions Rise in Khowang Constituency
MLA Chakradhar Gogoi accused AJP supporters of multiple attacks in the area.
Dibrugarh, Apr 9: Tensions escalated in Assam's Khowang constituency, located in Dibrugarh district, on Thursday due to alleged violence linked to the elections. The conflict arose at Kutuha, where supporters of the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) exchanged accusations regarding the incident.
The BJP claimed that a faction of AJP supporters assaulted their party workers at a residence close to the home of MLA Chakradhar Gogoi.
Reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries, including Prahlad Pandey, a BJP member from Jharkhand.
Gogoi condemned the violence, alleging that AJP supporters have been targeting BJP members in the constituency. He stated, “Since yesterday, individuals linked to AJP leader Lurinjyoti Gogoi have been attacking our workers. They assaulted us at Halodhibari yesterday, vandalized my office today, and even attacked female staff, tearing their clothes.”
Gogoi warned of further escalation, stating that he would file a police report against the assailants. He added, “If swift action is not taken, I will personally lead a blockade of the four-lane National Highway at Kutuha, which will persist until the culprits are apprehended.”
In response to the unrest, BJP supporters reportedly damaged a Bolero vehicle, further intensifying the situation. They later blocked the four-lane National Highway at Kutuha, demanding immediate arrests.
Prahld Pandey, an injured BJP worker, described the attack as unprovoked, stating, “We travel to various constituencies during elections to learn about local cultures. Today, I was attacked by AJP miscreants who attempted to kill me. They assaulted me without any provocation, with around 20 individuals involved, even trying to strangle me.”
Both parties accused each other of instigating the violence, although the AJP had not released an official statement by the time this report was compiled.
Senior police officials arrived at the scene, and measures were being taken to restore order as voting continued in the constituency.