By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Several individuals, including a police officer, media personnel, and anti-drug activist Jitendra Saloi, were injured on June 7 after a confrontation escalated into violence during an anti-drug protest in the Arya Nagar area of Guwahati.
Residents had initially gathered in the Sarabbhati-Arya Nagar locality to raise concerns over alleged illegal ganja trade in the neighbourhood. However, tensions reportedly rose when discussions during the gathering turned toward identifying suspected individuals, triggering a clash between two groups present at the site.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leaving multiple people injured on both sides. A vehicle was also vandalised amid the unrest, according to reports from the area. Journalists covering the protest were among those injured, while a police official sustained injuries while attempting to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Anti-drug activist Jitendra Saloi, who was participating in the demonstration, was also reportedly attacked during the incident and suffered injuries.
Unverified social media footage from the scene has circulated widely, with claims that provocative slogans were raised during the confrontation. The videos have sparked debate online, though these allegations have not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Some individuals from the Bihari community present at the protest have stated that they support action against illegal drug activity but opposed any attempt to give the incident a communal or ethnic angle. They also stressed that members of their community have long been residents of Assam and identify as Assamese.
The incident occurred under the Guwahati Central constituency. Police were later deployed and managed to disperse the gathering.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the viral videos or the claims emerging from the incident, while injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Investigations and follow-up action are expected.