Guwahati: Assam Pradesh Congress Committee Moves AHRC on Mridul Islam’s Death

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has filed a complaint with the chairperson of the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC), accusing Assam Police personnel of using excessive force against peaceful protesters during the Raj Bhawan Chalo march on December 18. The APCC alleged that the police violated standard operating procedures (SOPs) by using tear gas shells on protestors. The APCC legal cell secretary and advocate, Mridul Islam, fell ill after inhaling tear gas smoke used by the police. Later succumbed to death.

APCC requested to the commission to register a case, enquire into the same, grant adequate punishment to the culprit, and direct the Government of Assam to make necessary arrangements for looking after the family of the deceased Late Mridul Islam or grant compensation to the family of the deceased Late Mridul Islam and also direct the granting of compensation to the journalists who have become victims of police brutality.

APCC in the letter stated the Indian National Congress (INC) had called for a nationwide ‘Raj Bhavan Chalo’ march to protest the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government’s stance over various issues, including the installation of smart meters, the central government’s refusal to discuss the Manipur crisis, allegations of corruption against the Adani Group, the one nation, one election bill in Parliament, etc. In support of the strike called by the INC, the members of the APCC on December 18 were peacefully proceeding towards the Raj Bhawan, Guwahati, for submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Assam.

The police personnel present at the spot on that day had tried to resist the peaceful procession and had thrown tear gas shells upon the protestors in sheer violation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be used by police while handling riots and protests. The incident of throwing of tear gas shells by the police personnel is enclosed herewith in a pendrive.

The letter further said, “Because of the unlawful/unauthorized throwing of the tear gas shells by the police personnel, several journalists who were covering the Congress “Raj Bhawan Chalo” protest on December 18 had sustained injuries, and one of our members, i.e., Late Mridul Islam, who was a lawyer by profession and also the Secretary of the APCC’s legal cell, felt unwell after inhaling smoke from the tear gas and ultimately had succumbed to death. The unfortunate incident has been widely covered in the national media, both print and electronic media.

Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India ensures the right to peacefully assemble and hold public meetings or processions without arms. This right allows citizens to come together for various purposes, such as protests, demonstrations, or discussions.”

Our members, in exercise of their constitutional rights, have taken part in the demonstration, but unfortunately, the high-handedness of the police personnel in using excessive force upon the peaceful demonstrators has resulted in the death of a law-abiding citizen of the country who has a family to feed, further said the letter.

Also Read: Assam: APCC Moves CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for Job to Mridul Islam’s Widow

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