GUWAHATI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s imminent visit to Kaziranga approaches, tensions escalate amid allegations of Assam government interference in peaceful demonstrations.
Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah has raised concerns regarding purported threats directed towards bus owners, hindering the opposition’s plans to mobilize protesters.
According to Borah, arrangements were underway to transport individuals from various locations to Kaziranga using approximately 100 buses.
However, the government allegedly intervened, pressuring bus conductors and drivers to abstain from participating in the planned protests of the Congress party.
“We sought to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi through dialogue,” the Assam Congress chief emphasized.
He said: “Our aim is simply to apprise the Prime Minister of the potential dangers posed by the Citizenship Amendment Act to the people of Assam.”
Expressing dismay over perceived hindrances to democratic processes, Borah questioned the government’s actions, asking, “How and why is the government intervening in this manner? How can the government impede a democratic and peaceful protest? Is this indicative of a democratic society? Is this the appropriate conduct for a government in a democratic nation?”
Borah stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement, warning that if avenues for discussion are obstructed, protesters may resort to taking to the streets.
“If we are denied the opportunity to meet him (PM Modi), what recourse do we have other than resorting to street protests?” Borah queried. “And when we attempt to take to the streets, bus owners are threatened. Congress is denied buses, the opposition is denied buses for protests. Where is the democracy in this scenario?”