Assam: Violence broke out during a bandh on Friday against the state government’s decision to rename Karimganj as Sribhumi. The bandh was marked by road blockades, stone-pelting, and clashes between protesters and police, leading to injuries among both security personnel and journalists.
The protest was called in response to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s announcement on November 19, 2024, that Karimganj would be renamed Sribhumi in honour of Rabindranath Tagore. The government said the move was meant to reflect local aspirations, but it has triggered strong opposition from residents, student groups, and political parties.
Demonstrators, including Congress workers and students, blocked National Highway 37 at Badarpur College intersection and Station Road. The blockades stranded passenger buses and trucks carrying supplies, severely disrupting movement in the district.
The situation escalated when sections of the crowd began pelting stones. Police responded with lathi charges to disperse the protesters. However, demonstrators regrouped, forcing repeated confrontations. Shops, schools, and offices in Badarpur and nearby areas remained shut throughout the day, bringing normal life to a halt.
Officials said many participants were peaceful, but a few individuals instigated violence that worsened the unrest. The Sub-Divisional Officer of Sribhumi arrived at the protest sites to oversee the situation and appeal for calm.
The unrest highlights deep divisions over the renaming decision, with many viewing it as politically driven and imposed without adequate public consultation.
