Mass AAMSU protest in Chapar against Assam eviction drives, one arrested

Thousands gathered in Chirakuta, Chapar on Monday under the banner of the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) to protest against ongoing eviction drives in Assam, with demonstrators demanding an immediate halt to what they described as “inhuman” and “selective” operations targeting minority communities.

Organised by AAMSU’s Bilasipara district unit, the rally drew over 5,000 participants, including numerous families recently displaced by eviction actions in Charuabakhra, Santoshpur, and Chirakuta — termed by the group as the “largest eviction operation” in recent memory.

Addressing the crowd, AAMSU Central President Rezaul Karim Sarkar accused the state government of violating constitutional principles by selectively targeting minorities. He called on Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to halt such drives and ensure proper rehabilitation for all affected families, warning of statewide protests if demands went unmet.

Responding to the Chief Minister’s recent remark that “one must carry a gun before visiting South Salmara and Mankachar,” Sarkar questioned the government’s prolonged administrative absence in the region and asserted that Hindus and Muslims had coexisted peacefully for generations. He alleged that the Chief Minister was “sowing the seeds of communal division” through provocative statements.

Following the rally, tensions escalated when police detained Sarkar and several senior district leaders while they were returning home. They were taken to Chapar Police Station, prompting outrage among supporters and adding to the charged atmosphere in the area.