Release Of Arrested Members Demanded
Diphu: The ‘Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State’ has called for an indefinite strike in Karbi Anglong beginning at 2:00 PM today. The organization expressed dismay over the random arrest of their leaders and supporters by district police for supporting their cause. The umbrella organization, which consists of nearly fourteen students and youth associations, called for the strike.
The leadership of the Action Committee, through a press communique demanded “immediate halt of arrest of its members, youth, students and general public who are supporting the long cherished demand for autonomous state. Unconditional release of the members arrested so far for participating in statehood agitation and hold back high handedness of political parties trying to derail talks between JACAS and central government.”
The Committee said in the press statement that “considering the talk and assurance of Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam at his residence on 11thA ugust, where the CM gave his commitment to put a halt on any further arrest of JACAS members, they will soon begin democratic and peaceful means of struggle for immediate implementation of Article 244(A) of the Indian constitution.”
JACAS was uneasy all along concerning the random arrest of its leaders and workers on various charges by police since returning from Delhi after the tripartite talk which took place on 2nd September. However, the arrest of Samsing Hansey, president of Karbi Welfare Society and adviser to JACAS yesterday, relating him with Diphu violence of 31st July, impelled the organization to take the severe step.
After announcing the strike around 12:00 noon, chaotic conditions prevailed until 3.00 PM in markets, the railway and bus station, schools and colleges. The staff of government offices rushed to the markets, to buy essential commodities, and long queues of assorted vehicles were seen at fuel pumps.
At the time of filing this report, the effect of strike has been only partial in Bokajan and Hamren subdivisions.
