Silchar: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi on Wednesday alleged a political conspiracy behind the recent attack on a Bihu troupe during an idol immersion procession in Sribhumi district and demanded an impartial probe and stringent punishment for those responsible.Gogoi made the allegations at a protest organised by the All Assam Chutia Students’ Union in Sribhumi. The protesters demanded justice for the artistes and protection for the lives and property of Assamese-speaking people in the Barak Valley.The protest was organised in the wake of the alleged assault on members of Bihu troupes from Adarkona and Borgul during an idol immersion procession organised by Hindustan Club in Sribhumi on Saturday night. Several artistes were injured in the incident, which triggered widespread condemnation across Assam.Addressing the gathering, Gogoi said a political conspiracy was behind the incident and demanded that the authorities identify those responsible through a fair and independent investigation. He said the govt must ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and that no innocent person is implicated in the case.He said the state govt was responsible for safeguarding the lives, property and security of Assamese-speaking residents in the Barak Valley. He also called for strict legal action against those found guilty while urging people to maintain peace and communal harmony in the region.The protesters demanded exemplary punishment for those involved and urged the administration to take measures to prevent a recurrence.The incident has triggered protests and political reactions across the state. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the police to take action against those involved.Police have so far arrested 20 people in connection with the incident, according to the latest available information.Family members of some of the accused have also protested, claiming that their relatives were innocent and demanding an impartial investigation.Wednesday’s demonstration added to the pressure on the administration to ensure a transparent investigation and restore confidence among communities in the Barak Valley.
