Guwahati, Sep 17 (IANS): Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on Thursday began a day-long hunger strike outside Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur, demanding enhanced compensation and relief for families affected by the recent floods in Upper Assam.
The protest, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., is aimed at pressing the Assam government and the Centre to take stronger measures for flood-affected residents and ensure adequate rehabilitation.
Gogoi accused both the state and central governments of failing to respond adequately to the devastation caused by the floods.
He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite making major commitments during election campaigns, did not visit flood-hit areas of Upper Assam or assess the situation in remote locations following the deluge.
The Raijor Dal leader further claimed that the Centre had neither announced special assistance for affected communities nor issued a message expressing concern over the destruction caused by the floods.
Gogoi also criticised ruling party leaders, ministers and MLAs, alleging that their attention had shifted towards the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election while flood-affected families continued to await government support.
Raijor Dal has demanded immediate financial assistance ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for every flood-affected family. The party has also sought compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each family whose house or property was destroyed, along with similar compensation for affected business establishments.
Gogoi has called for an immediate CBI investigation into the Upper Assam floods to determine the causes of the devastation and establish accountability. He had previously raised allegations concerning illegal mining and other activities that he claimed may have worsened the impact of the floods.
The party has also demanded the removal of Assam Water Resources Minister Sushanta Borgohain from the state Cabinet, besides seeking the arrest of Sonari MLA Dharmeswar Konwar and Nazira MLA Mayur Borgohain.
Gogoi warned that the agitation would intensify if the government failed to address the demands following Thursday’s hunger strike. Raijor Dal plans to organise a larger protest in Guwahati on September 23.
The latest agitation forms part of the party’s continuing campaign for improved flood relief, rehabilitation and an independent inquiry into the causes of the disaster in Upper Assam.
