Assam: Protesters attempt to block railway lines in Gossaigaon over separate Kamtapur state and tribal status demand

A protest demonstration was held on Tuesday, December 16, in Gossaigaon, reiterating long-standing demands for the creation of a separate Kamtapur state, the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Koch Rajbongshi community, and the initiation of dialogue with Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) chief Jiban Singha and KLO (KN) chief D.L. Koch.

The protest was jointly organised by the Kamtapur State Demand Committee (KSDC) and the All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRASU), drawing participants from various parts of the region.

Organisers had earlier announced an indefinite rail blockade as part of the agitation. However, police intervened and prevented demonstrators from occupying the railway tracks. Following the intervention, protesters staged a sit-in near the railway line under tight security.

Anticipating potential disruption, the administration deployed a large contingent of police personnel in and around the protest site to maintain law and order.

Sources said that the KSDC had earlier decided to withdraw the rail blockade programme after the Central Government assured peace talks and following an audio message issued by KLO chief Jiban Singha. Despite this, a section of protesters expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and proceeded with the demonstration.

Tension prevailed at the site as a heated exchange of words broke out between the protesters and the police, though no reports of violence were received till the filing of this report.