Assam: Woman protester slapped by police as evicted Silsako residents stage protest outside assembly

Tensions escalated outside the Assam Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, August 28 as residents evicted from Guwahati's Silsako area staged a protest, demanding compensation and immediate rehabilitation. 

The protesters, armed with placards and slogans, accused the state government of neglecting the rights of indigenous Assamese people while allegedly prioritizing the settlement of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

The demonstration quickly turned chaotic as a heated confrontation erupted between the protesters and police forces. In a particularly volatile moment, a woman police officer was seen slapping a female protester, which further inflamed the situation, leading to increased outrage among the demonstrators.

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The displaced families from Silsako have been vocal in their demands for rehabilitation, asserting that while the government has been making provisions for outsiders, it has consistently overlooked the plight of the indigenous Assamese who have been rendered homeless by the eviction drive. The protesters, chanting slogans such as “Is Ajmal more important than indigenous people of Assam?”, vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.

“We have been protesting for over two years to reclaim our lands. Every time we seek a dialogue, the Assam Government diverts the issue. We need our land back at any cost. Our protests will not stop until our demands are fulfilled,” declared one of the female protesters.

Another protester voiced similar frustrations, stating, “We want our lands back, and we also demand compensation. We are the indigenous people of Assam; why should we leave the state? The government demolished our homes with the promise of making the city flood-free. Is the city flood-free now?”

A substantial police presence, including female officers, was deployed to manage the situation, but the clash turned physical as some protesters were forcibly removed from the premises. Despite efforts by authorities to disperse the crowd, the protesters remained resolute, refusing to leave the Assembly grounds.