GUWAHATI: A Congress delegation’s attempt to visit the site of the ongoing eviction drive in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati failed on Saturday, September 14 in the face of opposition from local groups. The delegation was led by MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar.
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Two alleged encroachers were killed in police firing at Kachutoli on Thursday when a mob attacked the police during the eviction drive. Several others, including policemen, were also injured.
A large number of people from a minority community have allegedly encroached upon land that falls under Tribal Belt and Block.
The Congress team had gone there to take stock of the situation, but had to return empty handed.
Speaking to the press later, Sikdar said they had gone to express solidarity with the community following the clash.
He said the party was not against eviction, but would not tolerate violence adding that those who blocked their way were aligned with the BJP.
He also criticised the police for not helping them although their visit was approved.
Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress for opposing a law that was enacted by the party’s government over its stance on the Tribal Belt and Block Law.
He said if the Congress was opposed to the law protecting tribals then the party sould raise the matter in the Assembly.
"Until the law is either removed or amended, the Congress cannot oppose it. Even if they do, we will not agree with their stance," he asserted.
