Flood-affected residents from Upper Assam staged a protest in Guwahati on Wednesday, September 23. The protesters demanded immediate relief and compensation from the Assam government.
Hundreds of people from Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat joined the demonstration at Chachal. The Raijor Dal organised the protest. The participants said many families were still waiting for adequate assistance after the devastating July floods.
The protesters said the floods caused extensive damage to homes, agricultural land, crops and other property. They demanded a fresh assessment of the losses. They also called for timely payment of relief and compensation to all eligible families.
Read More: Assam Minister Biswajit Daimary Reviews Employment, Skill and Youth Empowerment Plans
Flood Victims Travel to Guwahati
A large number of affected residents travelled from Upper Assam to Guwahati for the protest. Women from flood-hit families also joined the demonstration. Some participants brought their young children to the protest.
The protesters said several families were still struggling to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Many claimed that the assistance received so far was not enough to cover their losses.
The July floods caused significant damage across parts of Upper Assam. The situation has remained a concern for families whose homes, crops and sources of income suffered damage.
The protesters therefore asked the government to speed up the relief process. They also sought a transparent assessment of losses.
Demand for Rs 10 Lakh Compensation
A key demand of the protest was higher compensation for families that suffered major losses.
Raijor Dal leader Gyanashree Bora demanded Rs 10 lakh for each flood-affected family. She said smaller payments would not provide enough support for families trying to rebuild their lives.
The protesters also sought assistance for families whose homes and belongings were destroyed. They said the government should consider the actual extent of losses while deciding compensation.
The demand for Rs 10 lakh had also featured in earlier protests. Raijor Dal president and Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi raised the demand during a day-long protest in Guwahati on September 17.
Protesters Seek Proper Loss Assessment
The protesters also called for a comprehensive assessment of flood damage.
They alleged that some affected families had not received adequate assistance. They urged authorities to identify every eligible beneficiary and ensure that relief reaches them without further delay.
A proper assessment could help authorities identify losses to houses, agricultural land, crops and other property. It could also help determine the scale of assistance required for affected communities.
The protesters said families should not have to repeatedly approach authorities to receive support after losing their homes or livelihoods.
Akhil Gogoi Joins Demonstration
Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi participated in the protest. Gyanashree Bora and other party leaders also joined the demonstration.
Gogoi has repeatedly raised the issue of flood relief in recent weeks. He previously held a day-long hunger strike in Guwahati on September 17.
During that protest, Gogoi demanded immediate financial assistance for flood-affected families. He also sought Rs 10 lakh compensation for families that lost homes or property.
The September 23 demonstration formed part of the Raijor Dal’s wider campaign for greater assistance to flood-hit communities in Upper Assam.
Demand for Immediate Relief
The protesters also called for the immediate release of pending relief payments.
They alleged that several affected families had not received sufficient government assistance. The protesters said delays were making recovery more difficult for families already facing financial hardship.
The issue of delayed payments has also drawn a response from the Assam government. Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah said some flood relief payments had been returned because of problems with bank accounts. He said the government was working to correct the issues.
The development highlights the importance of accurate beneficiary and banking details in the relief process.
Protesters Raise Questions Over Relief Distribution
The Raijor Dal has also alleged irregularities in the distribution of flood relief. The party has called for greater transparency in the process.
Protesters demanded that authorities ensure relief reaches all eligible families. They also called for action against any irregularities found during the distribution process.
The protesters further demanded an inquiry into the causes of the floods. Raijor Dal has sought a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
These remain demands raised by the protesting organisation and participants.
Previous Protest Held in Guwahati
The September 23 demonstration followed an earlier protest by Akhil Gogoi.
On September 17, Gogoi staged a day-long hunger strike in Guwahati. He sought immediate financial assistance for flood-affected families in Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat.
He had demanded assistance of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for affected families. He also sought Rs 10 lakh compensation for families whose homes or property were destroyed.
The latest protest brought a larger group of affected residents to Guwahati. Their participation added a direct community voice to the demand for relief.
Upper Assam Families Face Recovery Challenges
For many families, the impact of the floods has continued even after the water receded.
Damage to houses can leave families without safe accommodation. Losses to crops and agricultural land can also affect future income. Damage to household goods can create additional financial pressure.
Reports from flood-hit areas have highlighted the difficulties faced by families trying to rebuild their lives after the disaster. In Sivasagar, for example, some families reported extensive damage to homes and household belongings.
The protesters in Guwahati said such families need timely financial support to begin the recovery process.
Government Relief Remains a Key Issue
The protest has brought renewed attention to flood relief in Upper Assam. The affected residents want authorities to address pending claims and assess losses properly.
Their demands include immediate assistance, higher compensation and transparent distribution of relief. They also want authorities to ensure that all eligible families receive support.
The government, meanwhile, has said that it is addressing problems affecting some relief payments. The administration faces the task of processing claims while dealing with the wider impact of the floods.
Flood Victims Seek Faster Recovery Support
The Guwahati protest has once again placed the concerns of Upper Assam’s flood-affected families in the spotlight.
Residents from Sivasagar, Charaideo and Jorhat travelled to the state capital to demand assistance. They said their losses have affected homes, agriculture and livelihoods.
The protesters want the government to complete a proper assessment and release pending relief. They are also seeking Rs 10 lakh compensation for families that suffered severe losses.
As recovery continues, the timely delivery of relief will remain an important issue for flood-affected communities across Upper Assam. The latest demonstration shows that many affected residents continue to seek stronger financial support and faster government action.