KMSS Calls 12 Hour Assam Bandh on June 25

 

KMSS General Secretary Akhil Gogoi being taken into custody by the Guwahati police on Friday in connection with the violent agitation at Dispur on Wednesday. Photo: PTI

Guwahati, Jun 25 : The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti has called a 12-hour Assam bandh on Saturday to protest against the arrest of its secretary Akhil Gogoi for allegedly leading the violent protest in which three persons were killed.

The shutdown will begin at 5 am on Saturday, a release issued by KMSS said.

Meanwhile, as news of Mr. Gogoi’s arrest spread, KMSS activists blocked roads in different parts of the State.

In Guwahati, slogan shouting KMSS supporters gathered near Pan Bazaar police station where Mr. Gogoi was taken after his arrest from the Guwahati Press Club.

Supporters also gathered in Garchuk and Narengi-VIP Road area to protest against the arrest.

The activists blocked National Highway 37 along Kaziranga National Park under Bokakhat police station and also in some areas of Sonari, Chabua and Teok in Upper Assam.

Security has been intensified throughout the State in view of the recent developments, officials said.

Several organisations, including the All Assam Students Union (AASU), have condemned the arrest. The anti-talk ULFA, led by Paresh Barua, has also condemned the arrest stating that this proves that there is no place for ’democratic protest’ in Assam.

AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary has also criticised the State government for arresting Mr. Gogoi.