GUWAHATI: More than 100 residents gathered at Dighalipukhuri on Tuesday, November 12 afternoon to demand the immediate release of two persons, including an artist, arrested by Guwahati police on Monday. The protest erupted after graffiti artist Marshall Baruah and youth leader Ankuman Bordoloi were taken into custody over a painting carrying an "objectionable" slogan to protest against the government’s move to cut down trees in the Bharalumukh area.
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Earlier on November 10, the Guwahati police detained three individuals, including Bordoloi, Baruah, and one Kamal Kumar, on allegations of displaying a graffiti slogan, “Kick Himanta Save Nature.” This slogan, directed at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was seen as a message of resistance against recent deforestation efforts across Guwahati.
Initially, the protesters’ message began as “Please Himanta Save Nature,” but it reportedly shifted to a more direct tone out of frustration. This was in response to the government's decision to cut down trees throughout the city, a move that locals and environmental advocates view as damaging to the urban landscape.
The arrests have amplified public opposition to the project, with residents and student groups staging continuous protests since Saturday night. Similar protests in Dighalipukhuri earlier this month showed the strong sentiment among citizens against deforestation as part of city development.
Protesters are now calling for a public hearing and community consent before any further tree removal is authorized, hoping to strike a balance between development and environmental preservation.
