Clash erupts in Guwahati's Arya Nagar over anti-drug protest; several injured

Several people, including a police official, media personnel, and anti-drug activist Jitendra Saloi, were injured after a clash broke out between two groups in Guwahati's Arya Nagar area on June 7 during a protest against the alleged sale of illicit ganja in the locality.

 

According to reports, local residents had assembled to protest against alleged drug-related activities in the area. However, the situation reportedly turned tense when discussions shifted towards the identities of the alleged peddlers, leading to a confrontation between groups.

 

The clash resulted in injuries to several individuals from both sides. Visuals from the scene also showed a vehicle being vandalised during the unrest. Media personnel covering the protest were reportedly caught in the violence and sustained injuries, while a police officer was also injured while attempting to bring the situation under control.

 

Anti-drug activist Jitendra Saloi, who was reportedly present during the protest, was also allegedly attacked during the violence and sustained injuries.

 

Meanwhile, several social media posts and viral videos linked to the incident have alleged that slogans such as "Assamese Go Back" and "Ek Bihari Sab Pe Bhari" were raised during the confrontation. Some Assamese individuals have also alleged verbal and physical intimidation during the unrest.

 

The videos, which have been widely circulated across social media platforms, show large crowds gathering in the area and engaging in heated arguments, drawing strong reactions online.

 

Some members of the Bihari community present at the scene stated that they supported action against illegal activities but objected to the issue being given a communal or ethnic dimension. One individual was heard saying that they had no objection to action against unlawful activities but urged people not to turn the matter into a communal issue, adding that many members of the community have long lived in Assam and identify themselves as Assamese.

 

The incident reportedly took place in the Sarabbhati-Arya Nagar area under the Guwahati Central constituency, represented by Vijay Kumar Gupta.

 

However, the allegations circulating on social media, including the reported slogans, the alleged attack on Saloi, and the circumstances surrounding the clash, have not been independently verified. Authorities are yet to issue a detailed official statement regarding the viral videos and the claims linked to the incident.

 

Police personnel were deployed to the area and eventually dispersed the crowd. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and authorities have reportedly initiated action against those responsible for aggravating the situation.

 

Further details are awaited as investigations continue.