Assam: UPPL holds two-hour sit-in across BTR, raises law and order, development concerns

The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) staged a two-hour sit-in demonstration on August 31 across all five district headquarters of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), protesting what the party described as a deteriorating law-and-order situation and alleged irregularities in welfare and developmental activities during the 11-month tenure of the BPF-led BTR government.

The protests were held simultaneously in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri, with UPPL workers demanding stronger protection of the lives and property of common citizens, action against alleged illegal tax collection and syndicates, and improved implementation of welfare schemes.

In Kokrajhar, UPPL workers and senior party leaders staged the demonstration at the Kokrajhar HS & MP School premises from 1 pm.

The party alleged that more than 23 incidents, including killings, body recoveries and bomb blasts, have been reported across the BTR during the 11-month tenure of the BPF government. UPPL demanded immediate steps to curb violence and ensure the safety and security of residents.

The party also called for stringent action against alleged “Syndicate Raj” and illegal tax collection in the region, specifically raising concerns over alleged syndicates operating at locations including the Srirampur Inter-State Check Gate.

On welfare measures, UPPL demanded the regular and uninterrupted disbursement of Orunodoi benefits to existing beneficiaries and sought the inclusion of more poor and marginalised women from the BTR under the scheme.

A memorandum containing the party’s demands will be submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the respective District Commissioners from all five protest venues.

UPPL urged the state government to take immediate and appropriate action on the issues raised, particularly those concerning law and order, illegal collections and welfare delivery across the BTR.