Over 100 prominent citizens of Assam have decried the challenges faced by the Congress’s Nyay Yatra in the state, prompting Rahul Gandhi to express gratitude for the “100 voices” that spoke against hatred and violence.<\/p>\n
A statement released by the 100 citizens, as shared by the Assam Congress on Thursday, condemned the attacks on the Yatra vehicles and Congress leaders. It criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s response to the Yatra, which had entered Bengal on Thursday morning after facing conflicts with the administration since entering Assam on January 18.<\/p>\n
Two FIRs have been filed against Congress leaders, including Rahul and state unit chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, for alleged violations of permitted Yatra routes and breaking through police barricades, among other charges.<\/p>\n
The statement by the citizens, comprising intellectuals, journalists, activists, and writers, asserted that while the Yatra started peacefully from “troubled” Manipur, it faced obstructions and attacks in Assam. The statement condemned the attacks and called for the arrest and punishment of those responsible, demanding justice as per the law.<\/p>\n
The signatories appealed to Rahul and other Yatra participants to remain peaceful and nonviolent despite provocations. Notable individuals among the signatories include Nagen Saikia, K.K. Bhattacharjya, Harekrishna Deka, and others.<\/p>\n
In response, Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the voices of wisdom, expressing gratitude for their understanding of Assam’s soul, describing it as a land of love, respect, and kindness.<\/p>\n
On Friday night, Rahul extended his thanks to the people of the North East, assuring them of his commitment to defending their rights and freedoms in the battle for Nyay. Journalist-activist Malakar, one of the signatories, expressed dissatisfaction with the state administration’s handling of the Yatra, citing issues related to denial of permissions and attacks on Yatra vehicles that could have been handled more amicably.<\/p>\n