North Lakhimpur: Calls for the release of three youths arrested in Assam’s Lakhimpur district over their alleged involvement in organising a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-backed protest are growing, with family members and supporters arguing that the purpose of the agitation has already been achieved.
The three youths-Monjur Rahman (23), Ashraful Islam (21), and Abdul Kasem (23), all residents of Laluk were arrested by Laluk Police on July 23 for allegedly attempting to organise a demonstration in support of the nationwide CJP campaign demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
According to their families, the trio had created a WhatsApp group to coordinate participants for what they maintain was a peaceful protest in solidarity with the nationwide movement.
Police registered Laluk Police Station Case No. 149/26 against the three under Sections 61(2)(b), 353(1), and 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Family members have questioned why the youths remain in custody, saying the central demand of the protest has already been met following Dharmendra Pradhan’s reported resignation. They have appealed to the authorities to release the three without further delay.
The arrests have also drawn criticism from sections of the local community, particularly young people, who argue that the accused were exercising their democratic right to organise a peaceful demonstration. Supporters have urged the administration to reconsider the case in light of the recent political developments.
Police have not issued any fresh statement on the demand for their release or provided an update on the investigation.