Assam Congress President condemns attack on INC candidate Tanzil Hussain, calls for police action

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Borah strongly condemned the recent attack on Indian National Congress (INC) candidate Tanzil Hussain from Samaguri constituency, describing it as an assault on democratic values and the peace-loving people of Assam.

Borah voiced concern over the incident, calling it a “direct attack on democracy” that threatens the spirit of peaceful political engagement in the state. “The attack on the INC candidate of Samaguri, Tanzil Hussain, is not only an attack on him but on democracy and the peaceful people of Assam,” he said.

Borah’s condemnation came amid escalating political tension in Samaguri following a violent incident at a BJP rally on the evening of November 9. The rally, led by Barhampur constituency MLA Jitu Goswami and BJP leader Suresh Borah, was moving from Magurmari to Latani when it was disrupted by a firing incident. Unidentified individuals opened fire on the rally participants, leaving several injured and intensifying concerns about security ahead of the upcoming elections.

Senior police officials promptly arrived at the scene, initiating an investigation to identify the attackers and mitigate further violence. The incident has since become a flashpoint in Assam’s political landscape, with parties exchanging accusations over who is responsible for the unrest.

MLA Jitu Goswami recounted the attack, stating, “We were conducting a peaceful march from one BJP office to another when turmoil broke out. Individuals at the house of Ismail Hussain, a former Congress councillor, began throwing stones at the rally participants, which escalated into firing. My car was targeted, but thanks to my PSO, I was unharmed and taken to safety. I have urged the police to apprehend those responsible. Several of my colleagues were injured, and one is in critical condition, possibly requiring transfer to Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH).”

In response, Congress leader and Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain countered these claims, alleging that BJP members were responsible for the violence. “The BJP is attempting to create a climate of disorder in Samaguri before the elections. Ismail Hussain, an Anchalik Panchayat member who was himself injured in the incident, is being wrongfully accused of initiating the attack. Reports indicate that BJP members, including Suresh Bora, Kasem, and Rasidul—all with criminal records—approached Ismail's residence and fired shots. Despite his injuries, Ismail was detained and later hospitalized. BJP leaders immediately presented their version of events to the Superintendent of Police in Nagaon.”

Hussain also referenced a media report that aired minutes before Ismail’s hospitalization, claiming that the program suggested a Dhubri resident had been brought to the area to incite violence. He added, “More than 50 honest police officers have been recently transferred, casting doubts on the neutrality of law enforcement. A senior journalist reached out to me for a comment, and I believe that phone call should be scrutinized to assess if there’s any connection with the Chief Minister.”