Protester killed in gunfire, Raha on the boil over AIIMS site

From a Correspondent

GAON (HAIBORGAON), July 15: A protester was shot dead and ten other persons, including an Additiol SP of gaon, were seriously injured when agitators demanding setting up of AIIMS at Raha clashed with security forces on Friday.

Thousands of activists blocked the NH 37 at Raha Chariali protesting the government's move to set up the AIIMS at Changsari instead of Raha.

The situation soon went out of control as the protestors clashed with police and paramilitary forces which tried to clear the highway.

Police first launched baton charge and tear gas to disperse the mob. When the agitators started pelting stones, police was forced to open fire in the air.

A protestor identified as Mintu Deory of Raha was killed when a bullet hit him.

ASP (security) Abdul Kadir Ashif was among dozens injured in the clashes.

Hundreds of vehicles plying between Guwahati and Upper Assam were stranded for hours at Raha due to the protest.

Earlier, the protesters attacked several vehicles at Raha.

Police said the situation was brought under control by evening and the highway opened to commuters.

The agitators have called a Raha bandh tomorrow.

Meanwhile, expressing concern over the incident, CM Sarbanda Sonowal has appealed the people to maintain peace and law and order. He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Sonowal asked minister Chandra Mohan Patwary and MLAs Siladitya Dev, Pijush Hazarika and Rupak Sharma to rush to Raha to take stock of the situation.

The government has also announced a probe into today's incident. The probe will be conducted by Additiol Chief Secretary Rajib Kumar Bora.