Thu Dec 19 23:55:00 UTC 2024: ## Assam Congress Protest Turns Deadly: One Dead, Chief Minister Bans Demonstrations Near Governor’s House

**GUWAHATI, Assam –** A Congress protest in Guwahati, Assam, on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, resulted in the death of a party leader, Mridul Islam, allegedly due to injuries sustained from tear gas shelling during a “Raj Bhavan Chalo” (march to the Governor’s house) demonstration against the Adani Group. This has sparked widespread condemnation and prompted a ban on future protests near the Governor’s residence.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the ban on Thursday, stating that the Governor’s house is above partisan politics and that the Congress had attempted to forcefully breach police barricades. He confirmed that an FIR will be filed and a thorough investigation, including analysis of video footage, will be undertaken.

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has also filed an FIR, demanding an independent inquiry into Islam’s death and action against responsible police officers. They are also seeking compensation for the deceased’s family. Islam, a lawyer and secretary of the party’s legal cell, is being hailed as a martyr by the state Congress president, Bhupen Kumar Borah, who was also injured during the protest.

Other political parties, including the Raijor Dal, have accused the state government of using excessive force. Journalists covering the event also reported injuries from the tear gas shelling, leading to a protest by the Guwahati Press Club. Members wore black badges to demonstrate their opposition to the use of tear gas in areas where journalists were present.

Read More