Akhil Gogoi Writes 7-Page Letter to CAA Agitators, Urges them to Re-launch Mass Movement

By: Anumita Das

Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi has sent his message to the agitators of the amended Citizenship Act (or CAA) through a seven-page letter written from behind bars. In his heartfelt letter to the masses, Gogoi has appealed the people to re-launch a mass resistance movement against the CAA, but added that the "vandalism" by agitators must be curbed.

In the seven-page letter addressed to the agitators, the firebrand peasant leader expressed his concern over the fizzling out of the protests amid the Government's crackdown.

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“We are worried, concerned and scared. The Assam Andolan has turned extremely lengthy...slow...aimless,” wrote Gogoi in his letter, adding that the movement seems to be "losing its goal."

Gogoi, expressing his concern over the "weakening" of the CAA Andolans happening across Assam in small scale, appealed to the agitators for a stronger anti-CAA movement in order to compel the government to roll back the contentious legislation.

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“With all due respect to the mass rallies, cultural protests, war cries, display of black flags, etc. I would like to say that these won’t compel the government to change their decision on CAA. The protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) was productive, but those against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have to change,” wrote Gogoi.

He added that a stronger agitation like the mass unrest of December 11, 12 and 13 last is needed in order to achieve success. “We believe that the agitation against an amended legislation has to be impactful. The people of Assam have already shown the example of the kind of agitation it should be,” he said, adding, “if we remove the vandalism part, we will get the desired form of agitation....”

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It needs mention here that Assam witnessed massive protests on the three days of December 11, 12 and 13. People came out to the streets in the thousands and opposed the move of the government that turned the CAB to CAA. The protests led to the suspension of internet and imposition of Section 144. Army was also deployed across the state to quell the protests.

“Those three days represented the actual Assamese sentiment,” he said, calling out to the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), CAA agitators, Asom Nagarik Samaj, College, Universities, Students’ Society, indigenous organizations of Assam, writers and intellectuals to come together just like the All Assam Students’ union (AASU), Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) and Artistes’ Fraternity are united.

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Referring to the formation of new political party in Assam, Gogoi said that the announcement of new political party formation was made quite early and could have been done later.

“We are being held under the pretext of government’s false accusations…We have to win this and walk along the path of success. I request all of you to stand together and bring about a permanent solution of the long-standing issues of the indigenous people,” concluded Gogoi.

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It may be mentioned here that Gogoi was on Friday presented at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court in Chandmari, Guwahati, after which, he was sentenced to judicial custody.

Gogoi, addressing Assam at large through the means of the media, urged the people to launch a mass resistance movement against the Government’s policies, and said that the time for “peaceful” demonstrations is over.

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