Assam: Protesters block roads, demand CBI probe over killing of student leader

Guwahati: Tension gripped Western Assam on Wednesday following a series of protest march and rallies in protest against the gruesome murder of All Bodoland Territorial Council Minority Students Union (ABMSU) president Lafikul Islam on Tuesday at Kokrajhar.

The angry protestors blocked national highways and other roads at various places in Bodoland Territorial Council areas and nearby districts. The protestors, who shouted slogan against the government, demanded a high level probe by CBI.

The problem compounded after the family members of the deceased minority leader refused to take the body and started protest outside Silakati Idgah field in Kokrajhar.

The family members accused district administration of trying to hush up the investigation in to the murder.

However, Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Shahay who rushed to Kokrajhar said that they have arrested one of the culprits and picked up three others suspected to have been involved in murder.

The local media claimed that Islam was very vocal against the syndicate of cattle smugglers along the India-Bangladesh international border. He was going to expose the syndicate by releasing the telephonic conversation of cattle mafia. The local media claimed that the tape, which Islam was about to release, may have exposed some big names associated with syndicate of cattle smugglers.

Security sources however indicated that killing was the fall out of some business rivalry as land mafias are suspected to have been involved.

Meanwhile, political leaders and various students’ organisations including Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal cutting across the party line have condemned the killing of the student leader. The powerful All Bodo Students Union leaders have also condemned the killing and appealed not to give any communal colour to the tragic incident.

Assam Police has stepped up the security measures all over the state and directed the police forces to remain vigilant.