Tension escalates in Samaguri, Assam: Miscreants target Jitu Goswami, Tanzil’s car damaged

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 10, 2024

With just three days until the Samaguri by-elections, rising tensions between Congress and BJP supporters have resulted in multiple incidents of violence, leaving several injured and highlighting security concerns. The unrest began with an alleged attack on BJP MLA Jitu Goswami on Saturday night, followed by an attempt on Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain’s life the next day. Five individuals, including a journalist, were injured in the clashes, and an independent candidate was reportedly found unconscious after being assaulted.

On Sunday, Congress candidate Tanzil Hussain’s vehicle was reportedly stoned by a group of 4-5 miscreants as he left a booth committee office in Udmari. Hussain’s car sustained significant damage, and two vehicles in his convoy were also damaged. Hussain responded by filing an FIR at the Samaguri police station and staging a sit-in protest joined by senior Congress leaders, including MP Rakibul Hussain and Rupahihat MLA Nurul Huda. The protest soon attracted a large group of BJP supporters, who chanted slogans against Rakibul and Tanzil Hussain. Congress supporters retaliated with slogans like “BJP Murdabad” and “Rakibul Hussain Zindabad.” Police and paramilitary forces were eventually able to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah condemned the violence, accusing the BJP of resorting to “money and muscle power” in the election, which he said had “crossed all limits.” He urged Assam Police to conduct an impartial investigation, calling the attack on Hussain an affront to all voters exercising their democratic rights.

The clashes appear to follow an attempted assault on MLA Jitu Goswami and other BJP members on Saturday night. Allegedly, a group of miscreants opened fire and threw stones at Goswami and BJP workers near Muri Puthikhati in Bhatiakhali Gram Panchayat. Goswami and BJP leader Suresh Bora escaped without injury, but BJP workers Ajay Singh, Asfak, and a local Congress worker, Imam Uddin, were hospitalized in Nagaon.

Both parties submitted complaints to Samaguri’s returning officer, Gunajit Kashyap. The BJP’s complaint accuses Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, his son Tanzil, and several Congress workers of attempting to harm Goswami and inciting communal tensions. They claim that some accused Congress workers have criminal histories, alleging a campaign of intimidation throughout the constituency. Meanwhile, Congress alleges that miscreants, in the presence of MLA Goswami, fired at local Congress leader Ismail Hussain, injuring his son, Imam Uddin. Congress has called for an impartial election and urged authorities to ensure a balanced approach.

In another disturbing development, independent candidate Musabbir Ali Ahmed was found unconscious with injuries near Katimari Grant on Sunday. He alleged he was abducted by miscreants, including Congress workers, who pressured him to avoid “dividing minority votes.” Upon his refusal, he claimed he was severely beaten and dumped near his residence.

As Samaguri prepares for the by-election, these incidents of violence and reciprocal accusations are fueling a climate of fear and raising concerns about the security of voters and the integrity of the electoral process. Authorities remain vigilant, hoping to prevent further escalation and safeguard the democratic process in the days leading up to the vote.