Assam: UPPL-BPF clashes in Baukhungri injure several ahead of BTC polls

Tension flared in Assam’s Baukhungri constituency on September 9 as clashes broke out between supporters of the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), leaving several people injured and vehicles damaged ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.

The first incident was reported around 10 pm in Tintila, where BPF workers allegedly attacked UPPL supporters. Two UPPL-owned Bolero vehicles were vandalised, and several party members were assaulted. UPPL candidate Ranjit Kumar Basumatary condemned the violence and urged authorities to identify and act against the attackers.

Hours later, around 1:30 am, fresh violence erupted at the BPF Youth Office in Nayekgaon. According to BPF leaders, nearly 200 UPPL supporters stormed the premises armed with sticks and iron rods, damaging three vehicles and injuring at least three workers. The BPF accused UPPL of attempting to derail the election atmosphere and demanded immediate police intervention.

Police in Kokrajhar have launched an inquiry into both incidents and stepped up security in the area to prevent further clashes.

Baukhungri remains one of the most closely watched constituencies, with UPPL’s Ranjit Kumar Basumatary challenging BPF’s Dhaneswar Goyari. With voting approaching, the escalating violence has intensified pressure on authorities to ensure the elections are conducted peacefully.