GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday, December 19 that an FIR will be registered, and a comprehensive inquiry initiated into the recent protests near Raj Bhavan in Guwahati on Wednesday. The decision includes a thorough review of video footage to determine the sequence of events. Moving forward, demonstrations near Raj Bhavan will no longer be permitted, with a designated area allocated for protests.
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Taking to X, the chief minister stated: “The institution of the Governor stands above partisan politics. Yesterday, Congress party leaders attempted to forcibly enter Raj Bhavan by breaching police barricades and causing chaos in the vicinity. The police will register an FIR and conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident, including a review of video recordings. Henceforth, no demonstrations will be permitted near Raj Bhavan. A designated area has already been allocated for protests and demonstrations.”
Earlier today, a prohibitory order was issued for the Dispur Capital Complex, effective from 19 December 2024. The order restricts gatherings of more than five people, protests, and slogan-shouting within a one-kilometre radius of the complex unless explicitly authorised.
The announcement follows an incident during Wednesday’s "Raj Bhavan Chalo" protest organised by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), which led to the death of Mridul Islam, a Congress worker and advocate. Islam succumbed to injuries sustained after police deployed tear gas to disperse protesters.
The APCC protest, part of a nationwide campaign, raised concerns about the BJP-led government’s handling of issues such as the Manipur crisis, alleged corruption linked to the Adani Group, the controversial installation of smart meters in Assam, and the proposed "One Nation, One Election" Bill. Police action led to the detention of several top Congress leaders, including APCC Chief Bhupen Borah and Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia.
