Assam: Tribal Students Attacked in Nagaon, Leaders Demand Swift Arrests

Three tribal students were allegedly assaulted by a group of around 10 to 12 youths at the Tribal Rest House in South Haibargaon in Nagaon district on August 15, following which tribal organisations have demanded immediate arrests in the case. The incident reportedly took place at around 10.30 pm when the group allegedly entered the rest house and confronted the students. According to the Nagaon District Tribal Association, the students were allegedly subjected to caste-related verbal abuse before the attackers entered the premises carrying sticks and iron rods and assaulted three students. The Tribal Rest House in South Haibargaon accommodates tribal students from different districts of Assam who are pursuing studies at various colleges in Nagaon. Following the incident, the Nagaon District Tribal Association lodged a complaint at Nagaon Sadar Police Station and submitted photographs of the alleged accused to the police. The tribal association claimed that nearly 48 hours after the incident, the police were yet to arrest those allegedly involved in the assault. Tribal leaders on Monday visited the rest house and demanded the intervention of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma , seeking immediate action against the accused. The association has given police a 12-hour deadline to arrest the alleged attackers and warned of strong democratic protests if the demand is not met. Prashanta Konwar, Central President of the Tiwa Students’ Union, and Aditya Khakhlari, Chief Coordinator of CCTO, were among those who raised the demand for prompt action. The tribal organisations have called for strict punishment for those found responsible and said further protest programmes would be announced if the alleged accused are not arrested within the deadline. Also Read: Assam: APDCL Saptagram Office Vandalised, Employees Attacked Over Irregular Supply