Guwahati: The eighth day of the Jan Ashirwad Yatra turned contentious in Sorbhog on Wednesday after two alleged BJP workers reportedly snatched and tore placards held by students demanding justice for Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
The incident occurred during the second phase of the yatra, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, when four students staged a brief protest along the route holding handwritten placards. The students, who identified themselves as ardent admirers of the singer, said their intent was to draw attention to their demand for justice.
According to student bodies, the situation escalated when the placards were forcibly taken away and torn by the alleged BJP workers.
Addressing a press conference, a leader of the Barnagar Regional Student Union said the protesting students were not affiliated with any political party or organisation and had demonstrated peacefully.
“During the Jan Ashirwad Yatra in Sorbhog, four students demanded justice for Zubeen Garg with handwritten placards. They were not affiliated with any political party and were simply fans of the cultural icon. However, some BJP workers snatched the placards and tore them apart,” the student leader alleged.
Condemning the incident, students demanded immediate police action against those involved and called for a thorough investigation.
“We strongly condemn this act and urge the police to arrest those responsible at the earliest. We also request the Chief Minister to take note of the incident and ensure such actions are not repeated during public programmes,” the leader said.
The development comes a day after the yatra entered its second phase, with the Chief Minister campaigning in the Bhawanipur–Sorbhog belt. On Tuesday, Sarma addressed public meetings, backing BJP candidate Ranjit Dass and highlighting development initiatives while seeking support ahead of the Assembly elections.