UWFKA’s rally condemns Gaurav Gogoi for insulting Karbi community’s progress

A CORRESPONDENT

KHERONI: Over 10,000 women from various communities across Karbi Anglong district gathered on Tuesday under the banner of the United Women Forum of Karbi Anglong (UWFKA) to stage a massive protest rally against MP Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The rally, named ‘Protest Rally Against Anti-Tribal Gaurav Gogoi,’ condemned Gogoi for his alleged anti-tribal stance and negative attitude toward development and people of Karbi Anglong.

The protest was sparked by Gogoi’s unannounced visit on July 5 to the under-construction residence site of Singdon Ronghang, son of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang, and his subsequent filming at a nearby solar plant site. Gogoi referred to the under-construction house as the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ of Diphu, comparing it to the controversial residence of a former Delhi Chief Minister. These actions were widely perceived as politically motivated and critical of the region’s developmental efforts.

The rally commenced at the Govt Boys Higher Secondary School field in Diphu, with thousands of women marching through the Diphu town committee office and council gate before returning to the starting point. Protesters carried banners and placards with slogans such as ‘Gaurav Gogoi Murdabad,’ ‘Gaurav Gogoi Anti-Development,’ ‘Gaurav Gogoi ISI Agent,’ and ‘Gaurav Gogoi Anti-6th Schedule,’ expressing their outrage. As a symbolic act of disapproval, the women burned an effigy of Gogoi, emphasizing their commitment to defending the peace, unity, and developmental progress of Karbi Anglong.

Office bearers of the UWFKA strongly criticized Gogoi, with one stating, “Who are you to judge the size of a house in the Karbi community?” Former Member of Autonomous Council (MAC) Seema Ronghangpi further remarked, “Under the regime of Gogoi’s father, (former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi), extremism rose in the state. However, under the leadership of Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang, insurgency has been reduced to zero.”

The protest underscored the growing tensions between Gogoi and sections of the Karbi Anglong community, particularly following his recent criticisms of the KAAC leadership and the BJP-led state government. The UWFKA and protesters reaffirmed their support for the region’s development and the leadership of CEM Tuliram Ronghang, crediting him for fostering peace and progress in Karbi Anglong.

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