In the aftermath of the brutal lynching of two Guwahati youths in Karbi Anglong, Assam, protests across the city took a violent turn as people got to the streets condemning the incident. Hiren Chandra Nath, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, said, “The protests were going on peacefully. But then a few miscreants from the back pelted stones, bricks and water bottles. Six of our men were injured.” He said that demonstrations and candle-light marches were held at several locations across the city. “From tomorrow, no demonstration or procession will be allowed without prior permission from my office,” he said.
Condolences and cries for justice have been flooding the social media ever since the news broke over the weekend. Assam Police have arrested 16 people in connection with the lynching of Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath, who were savagely killed by a mob near Kathilangso waterfall. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mukesh Agarwala said that police were on the lookout for more people involved in the incident.
He said the situation in village Dokmoka, where the killings took place, was under control. “In four to five villages around Dokmoka, fake posts went viral on social media about 'Xopadhara' or child abductors in the area. Preliminary investigation says that people in the area suspected the two youths as child lifters and attacked. We appeal to people not to believe rumours and social media posts. We also appeal to the people to inform the police immediately if they find anyone spreading rumours and hate messages,” Agarwala said.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a high-level meeting at his official residence in Guwahati following the incident and took stock of the prevailing situation in the state. He ased DGP Kuladhar Saikia to ensure that the police force maintains constant vigilance on all activities and put a spanner on any canards likely to violate public order and peace in the state. He maintained that the culprits should be brought to book and no leniency should be exhibited in dealing with the incident.
