GUWAHATI, June 27 � Members of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) today staged a 'jail bharo' programme across the State demanding immediate release of its leader Akhil Gogoi and a land policy for securing the rights of the indigenous populace.
A large number of KMSS volunteers courted arrest in different parts of the State - Golaghat-1,000, Nagaon-200, Kampur-70, Bokoliaghat-30, Jagiroad-100, Silchar-70, Hailakandi-400, Jagun-35, Sadia-60, and Tinsukia-40. In the city, about 75 KMSS activists courted arrest at Basistha police station.
All of them were later released.
The KMSS alleged that police indulged in atrocities on its members to quell the protest. It asserted that it would continue with its stir till it achieves 'land rights for the indigenous people.'
The KMSS also alleged that the State Government was pursuing double standards in the matter of conducting eviction drives - much against the interest of the local populace.
"While in opposition, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi himself opposed eviction drives at Lalmati in 1998, and now the same person is for evicting the same people in a most arbitrary manner," it said, adding that the recent eviction drive was in violation of different land Acts and regulations of the State.
