Akhil Gogoi goes on hunger strike on Independence Day, demands Rs 10 lakh aid for every flood-affected family

Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi began an indefinite hunger strike in flood-ravaged Sivasagar on Saturday, demanding Rs 10 lakh compensation for every family and flood-affected commercial establishment in the state.

Gogoi launched the hunger strike at 8 AM on Independence Day, raising a series of demands over the massive devastation caused by the recent floods.

His primary demand is Rs 10 lakh compensation for every flood-affected family, along with financial assistance for commercial establishments that suffered losses in the deluge.

Gogoi has also demanded that the government conduct a detailed investigation into the causes behind the "devastating" floods and identify those responsible, followed by appropriate action against them.

He further called for the immediate reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in the three worst-affected districts, arguing that restoration work should be taken up on an urgent basis.

The protest comes as Assam continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of its most devastating flood episodes, which caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure and livelihoods across several districts.