‘Gen Z protests led neighbours to chaos, not progress’: Assam CM cautions youth against romanticising revolutions

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on December 24 cautioned young people against glorifying mass protest movements, citing developments in neighbouring countries to argue that such movements often lead to instability rather than meaningful societal change.

Addressing a gathering, Sarma referred to what he described as “Gen Z protests” in countries in India’s neighbourhood and questioned their long-term outcomes. “We have seen Gen Z protests in our neighbourhood, but what has been the result? Have those countries become better, or have they gone down the path of anarchy?” he asked, urging the youth to reflect deeply on the consequences of such movements.

Referring specifically to Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said that while large-scale student movements had taken place with strong narratives and massive participation, the society that emerged afterwards showed little improvement. “One year later, we can see the Bangladeshi society shaped by that movement. There has been no real change in people’s lives. Incidents like the brutal killing of Dipu Das and daily reports of violence have pushed society backwards, even before the so-called revolution,” he said.

Also Read: Assam allows tripartite talks with council, protesters to resolve West Karbi Anglong unrest: DGP

Sarma also drew parallels with Nepal, noting that while a revolution led to the change of prime ministers, the structural transformation promised by the movement never materialised. “We talk about the revolution in Nepal, but what change came after it? Six months after the prime minister was changed, did Nepal become better or more beautiful? These questions are rarely discussed,” he said.

He argued that many movements treat the revolution itself as the final goal, rather than focusing on the long-term rebuilding of institutions and systems. According to the Chief Minister, genuine progress requires sustained governance reforms and social stability, not just mass mobilisation and leadership change.

The remarks come amid ongoing debates on student activism and protest politics, with Sarma urging young people to critically evaluate both the objectives of movements and the societies that emerge after them.