Fuel price hike triggers massive protests across Assam

 

GUWAHATI: The rising price of fuel and various other commodities has triggered mass protests across Assam, with several organizations taking out processions to condemn the ruling dispensation for its apparent failure to keep tabs on the skyrocketing prices.

 

 

Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP), the students' body that was at the forefront of the protests against the 'CAA', again condemned the BJP-led government for its failure to curb prices.

 

 

In Jorhat, activists of the student body burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, as well as Assam's Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

 

 

"Both Modi and Sonowal promised to curb the fuel price hike. However, after coming to power, the prices have skyrocketed further. They have ignored the concerns of the common man," said a protester, before proceeding to shout slogans against Modi and the BJP.

 

 

Similar scenes were witnessed in Bongaigaon town, where AJYCP affiliated activists burnt effigies of the rulers, only to have cops douse them and chase them off.

 

 

A similar protest was also held in Upper Assam's Tinsukia town, where protesters raised slogans under the watchful eyes of the authorities.

 

 

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In Assam, petrol prices were hiked for the second day on the trot, raising concerns among the general public.

 

 

Today, the price again rose by 30 paise and the rate now stands at Rs. 89.50 per litre. Similarly, diesel price has been hiked by 26 paise and after which the price of diesel stood at Rs. 83.22 per litre.

 

 

State-run oil marketing companies  Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum have increased the retail prices for the second successive day on Friday taking auto fuels rates to record highs across the country.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Congress party is planning to hold protests at every single fuel pump in Assam. 15-20 party members will head to pumps tomorrow where they will stage protests for 3 hours.