Guwahati, Dec. 24: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi has expressed concern over the violence in West Karbi Anglong district while appealing to the people of the district for maintaining peace and harmony.
Underscoring the need for prioritising a peaceful resolution, Gogoi, while addressing the media in Lakhimpur, said, “The violent incidents in West Karbi Anglong district are a matter of serious concern not only for the state but also for democracy.”
Two persons have lost their lives, while several persons, including 38 police officers and personnel, were injured after stone pelting by protesters prompted police to resort to tear gas shelling to disperse the gathering at Kheroni on Tuesday.
It may be noted that the protest was staged against alleged encroachment on PGR (professional grazing reserve) and VGR (village grazing reserve) land in the district. Despite an attempt to evict the settlers last year, a petition was filed in Gauhati High Court, which passed an interim order staying the eviction process.
Appealing to the people of Karbi Anglong to maintain peace, harmony and law and order, Gogoi said, “In a democratic country, the right to protest is a constitutional right of citizens. However, whether it is the government and administration or the protesters, resorting to violence during protests is never justified.”
He urged the government and administration to refrain from any actions that could provoke the protesters. “Protesters will naturally have demands. It is the responsibility of the government to listen to those demands and take necessary steps through dialogue and discussion,” he added.
The APCC president further appealed to the government and administration to ensure proper medical treatment for all those injured in the incident, whether protesters or police personnel.
