Margherita, Assam — Tension gripped the Makum Bagan Tiniali Daily Market under Kumarpatty Gaon Panchayat today as traders and shopkeepers staged a massive protest, alleging illegal and excessive tax collection by the current market leaseholder.
According to the agitating vendors, the leaseholder, allegedly operating in collusion with a group of local miscreants, has been intimidating shopkeepers into paying unjustified taxes. Several traders claimed that refusal to pay led to threats of shop vandalism and personal harassment.
In a show of unity, the market remained completely shut, with vendors staging a demonstration at the market premises. Protesters voiced their anger against what they described as a “systematic extortion racket” thriving under the protection of local authorities.
Among the protestors was Pranjal Baraik, Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (ATTSA). Baraik raised serious questions about the legality of the tendering process, alleging that the market in question does not even appear in official government records. He directly implicated a Panchayat Secretary and one Rajendra Rai in orchestrating what he called an “unauthorised and corrupt tender process.”
“The entire tendering of this market appears to be shrouded in irregularities. How can a market that doesn’t exist on government books be leased out? There must be an investigation,” Baraik said, demanding immediate action.
Protesters submitted a written memorandum to Margherita Block Development Officer Rohit Kumar Yadav, urging the administration to revoke the current lease and initiate legal action against those involved.
The traders have warned that if authorities fail to respond promptly, they will escalate the protest and take to the streets, demanding justice and official intervention.
The situation remains tense but under control, with local police maintaining a presence to prevent any further escalation. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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