Breaking: Akhil Gogoi to Launch Hunger Strike in Jail on March 1

Guwahati, February 25, 2020:

Firebrand peasant neta Akhil Gogoi, who was earlier today produced at the NIA Court for a hearing, has informed that he will be launching a hunger strike in jail as a protest move against the BJP-led Government's amendment of the Citizenship Act.

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Addressing the mediapersons outside the Court, Gogoi said that the he, along with other imprisoned Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leaders, will launch a hunger strike within the jail premises to "ensure the success of the andolan" that has been going on since the passage of the Bill in Parliament.

Meanwhile, a group of people gathered in front of the Court clamoring for the firebrand KMSS leader's release from jail. Raising slogans such as "joi aai Axom" (glory to mother Assam) and "CAA baatil koriboye lagibo" (CAA must be scrapped), the peasant leaders' followers raised a hue-and-cry outside the station.

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Gogoi who has been active for the Anti CAA protest in Assam was arrested from Jorhat on December 11 for prima facie inciting violence through his organization KMSS and also for having links with maoist rebels.

The arrest of Gogoi, who has been a prominent fixture in the Assamese political landscape due to his outspokenness over several issues, has drawn condemnation from various organizations taking part in the struggle against the CAA.

Yogendra Yadav, a noted social activist who is currently fronting “We the People of India”, an umbrella body of anti-CAA organizations recently visited Akhil in his Guwahati jail and later heaped praise on the firebrand. Although Gogoi has been booked under the amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Yadav believes that Gogoi has done nothing “wrong” and history will be kinder to him. “Now, Akhil Gogoi will become an akhil bharat (united India) leader”, Yadav opined, hinting at the unique national recognition that Akhil has carved for himself through his relentless struggle.

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