Massive protest erupts in Palashbari over Assam government's proposed satellite township in Barduar

A two-hour protest demonstration was held on Wednesday, June 4 at the R.B. Higher Secondary School playground in Mirza, Palashbari, as thousands gathered to oppose the proposed construction of a satellite township in Barduar. The protest was spearheaded by the Kamrup District Unit of the Rabha Students' Union, Rabha Mahila Parishad, and the Sixth Schedule Demand Committee.

The agitation gained momentum following a recent Facebook post by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in which he referred to the development of a satellite township on 1,500 acres of land in Barduar. The remark was made during a review meeting of the "Advantage Assam" project held in New Delhi on May 26, triggering widespread dissatisfaction among locals.

In reaction, a massive public meeting was already organized in Barduar on May 29 by multiple community-based organizations. Echoing similar sentiments, the protest in Palashbari saw demonstrators chanting slogans against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, MLA Hemanga Thakuria, and the Assam Government.

The protestors accused the government of ignoring local concerns and demanded immediate reconsideration of the proposed project. Following the peaceful demonstration, a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister was formally submitted through the Palashbari Revenue Circle Officer.