Guwahati, 2nd September: A major protest by Congress workers in Karimganj erupted into violence on September 2, leading to clashes with police. The demonstration, held outside the local electricity distribution office, was a response to widespread public dissatisfaction with the smart meters installed across the region. Protesters, who demanded the removal of these devices, gathered in large numbers, causing tensions to rise sharply.
As the protest intensified, police intervened to disperse the crowd, resulting in several injuries. The authorities forcibly relocated the demonstrators to a nearby forest area to restore order.
In a related protest, the Asomiya Yuva Mancha (AYM) took action in Lakhimpur by disposing of models of smart meters into the River Ranganadi. This protest followed a “Funeral Cortege” demonstration by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) against the smart meters. The AYM criticized the Government of Assam, the Electricity Department, and the ruling BJP, demanding an immediate halt to smart meter installations. They also called for the resignation of Power Minister Nandita Garlosa, accusing her of mishandling the situation.
Anupam Saikia, central committee secretary of AYM, denounced the smart meters, stating, “Smart meters are sucking the blood of common people. The extravagant amounts shown on the bills every month have caused significant suffering.” Saikia warned that if the government did not cease smart meter installations, protests would escalate further.
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