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✍️Anupam Pal,Kailashahar
The 12-hour strike called by the Unakoti District Congress Committee on Thursday in support of an 11-point demand brought Kailashahar to a standstill. From early morning, Congress workers and supporters took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking roads. Vehicular movement was disrupted in several parts of the town, most shops remained closed, and though government offices were open, attendance of employees was very thin.
However, the strike was marred by allegations of irregularities and unrest. A major controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that police at the Chini Bagan naka point took bribes. A driver alleged: “I was bringing a goods-laden truck from Dharmanagar. The police took ₹200 from us. But once we crossed the naka point, miscreants vandalised the truck and assaulted me and my companion. We are now undergoing treatment in the hospital.” Another truck driver claimed that even though his vehicle was parked, Congress workers came and vandalised it.
Around noon, Congress MLA Birajit Sinha, district Congress president Badruzzaman, and over a hundred workers were detained by police and taken to the old Town Hall. They were released after some time. The Congress maintained that their strike was peaceful, and district president Badruzzaman alleged that BJP leaders were involved in the incidents of vehicle vandalism.
Meanwhile, the BJP also remained active against the bandh. Led by Mandal president Pritam Ghosh and state committee member Nitish Dey, BJP workers staged bike rallies across different parts of the town. Pritam Ghosh said: “The people have rejected the anti-people bandh called by the isolated Congress. On the eve of Durga Puja, such a strike cannot be supported.”
On the other hand, Congress MLA Birajit Sinha alleged at a press meet that the town’s development had come to a standstill due to the conflict between the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the BJP-run municipal council. He said: “Even a little rain floods the town. Despite crores of rupees being spent, the condition of the roads is deplorable. In 2018, the ruling party promised to make the airport operational, but nothing has been done. If our demands are not met, we will be forced to launch a larger movement.”
Allegations were also made against the police. Congress workers claimed that one police personnel, under the influence of alcohol, hurled abuses at them. District Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R assured that action would be taken if evidence was provided. She added: “We have deployed patrols across the subdivision since morning. Apart from minor incidents, no major untoward situation occurred. The police stand by the public.”
Meanwhile, state minister Sudhangshu Das strongly condemned the incidents in a social media post. He alleged: “Under the banner of the irrelevant Congress, goons came out on the streets and vandalised Hindu vehicles and motorbikes. Just before Durga Puja, businessmen are being harassed and unrest is being created. These undemocratic activities are happening under the leadership of the local MLA, and such actions cannot be tolerated.”
The minister further stated that the bandh by Congress was only adding to the sufferings of common people. He urged peace-loving citizens to speak up against what he described as anti-Hindu and anti-democratic activities.
At the end of the day, it was clear that while Congress claimed the bandh to be successful, the opposition and the government branded it as an anti-people programme — leaving Kailashahar politically charged.
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