Three individuals, including two graffiti artists, were detained by Guwahati police on November 10 for allegedly writing a protest slogan, “Kick Himanta Save Nature,” against tree cutting in the Bharalumukh locality.
The detainees, Marshal Baruah, Angkuman Bordoloi, and Kamal Kumar, were taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday. They are currently being interrogated at a local police station, and access to the station has been restricted to civilians and media personnel.
The controversial slogan followed an initial message, “Please Himanta Save Nature,” which was reportedly altered out of frustration with the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government’s decision to cut down trees across the city.
The protests in Bharalumukh, which began on Saturday night, have seen local residents and student groups coming together to sing songs by the legendary Bhupen Hazarika in solidarity. Similar protests have also taken place in areas like Dighalipukhuri.
The tree-cutting is part of a project by the state’s Public Works Department (PWD) to construct a flyover aimed at easing traffic congestion near the railway gate. Over 70 trees have already been marked for removal, drawing significant opposition from the community. Protesters have called for a public hearing and community consent before proceeding with the project.
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