The Assam Congress has welcomed the response of the Gauhai High Court to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia on the eviction drive in Sipajhar on September 23. 

“APCC stands vindicated that Gauhati High Court has said – ‘it was an unfortunate incident – a tragedy’ and that ‘blood had been spilled on the ground,” the Assam Congress said on Thursday. 

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The Assam Congress added: “The incident of firing a lone protester by more than 40 armed policemen and the subsequent violent action of a government affiliated cameraman on the dead protester had shocked people all over the world.” 

The Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam government to file a detailed affidavit in regards to the killings during the eviction drive in Assam’s Sipajhar on September 23.  

Two persons, including a minor, had died due to police firing following a clash between protestors and officials of Darrang district administration during an eviction drive in Sipajhar on September 23. 

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Also read: ‘This is a big tragedy, file affidavit’: Gauhati HC tells Assam government on Sipajhar brutality

The Gauhati High Court has granted the Assam government a three-week time to file its reply and listed the matter for November 3.  

A two-judge bench of Gauhati High Court headed by chief justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and justice Soumitra Saikia was hearing the plea filed by Assam leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia against the “forced eviction”. 

“This is a big tragedy, very unfortunate. Those who are guilty, if at all must be punished, no doubt about that,” the Gauhati HC said.  

Chief justice Sudhanshu Dhulia added: “Khoon zameen par gir gaya (blood has been spilt).” 

“APCC welcomes the remark of the High Court bench that said –   ‘This is a big tragedy, very unfortunate. Those who are guilty, if at all, must be punished, no doubt about that. Not just in this but in one or two other incidents as well,” the Assam Congress said.