Krishnai in Goalpara district witnessed high tensions on Sunday, September 7, as protesters staged a fiery demonstration against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Activists under the banner of the Goalpara District Student Mukti Sangram Samiti and its Krishnai regional unit burned an effigy of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The rally brought attention to the simmering discontent that continues to surround the controversial law.
The demonstration was a powerful display of anger, as participants gathered with banners and placards, voicing strong opposition to the Act. The protesters chanted slogans condemning the Assam government’s stance and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration of undermining the rights of indigenous communities.
Protesters Accuse Government of Betrayal
Speaking at the protest site, leaders of the Student Mukti Sangram Samiti alleged that the CAA would threaten the cultural and political identity of Assam. They criticized both the Union and State governments for what they called a betrayal of the Assam Accord. The protesters claimed the law would enable large-scale settlement of outsiders, weakening the state’s demographic balance.
The rally saw the participation of local residents and student activists, reflecting deep-rooted concerns that have persisted since the law’s introduction. Many demonstrators emphasized that they were not just opposing the Act but were also fighting for the preservation of Assam’s heritage.
Krishnai Becomes a Symbol of Resistance
Krishnai, a small town in Goalpara district, has become a hotspot for political protests in recent months. Residents have repeatedly organized rallies to voice their discontent over various government policies. Sunday’s demonstration added momentum to a growing statewide movement against the CAA, which was passed by Parliament in 2019 and implemented earlier this year.
According to activists, the burning of the Chief Minister’s effigy symbolized the public’s frustration with leaders who have failed to honor earlier promises to protect Assamese identity. The protesters demanded the immediate repeal of the Act and warned of intensified agitations if their voices are ignored.
Police Presence and Security Measures
The protest remained peaceful despite its fiery symbolism. Police personnel were deployed at the protest site to prevent any untoward incidents. Security forces kept a close watch on the situation, ensuring that the gathering concluded without violence.
Authorities later confirmed that no arrests were made, but they are closely monitoring the activities of organizations leading these demonstrations. Officials stated that maintaining law and order remains a top priority as protests against the CAA spread to different districts.
CAA Opposition Remains Strong in Assam
The Citizenship Amendment Act has faced consistent opposition in Assam, where residents fear it will allow migrants from neighboring countries to settle permanently. Political parties, student unions, and cultural organizations have repeatedly expressed their discontent through strikes, rallies, and social campaigns.
For many in Assam, the opposition to the CAA is deeply tied to their identity and history. Protesters argue that the law violates the principles of the Assam Accord of 1985. Also, which sought to protect indigenous people from demographic change caused by illegal immigration.
Wider Implications for Assam Politics
The Krishnai protest underscores how opposition to the Act continues to shape Assam’s political landscape. Leaders of regional parties have also taken strong positions on the issue. Also, signaling that the controversy could influence upcoming elections.
Observers believe that such demonstrations reflect a growing disconnect between the government and the people. The agitation has also sparked conversations about the balance between national security policies and cultural preservation.
Call for Dialogue and Repeal
Student leaders have called for meaningful dialogue between the government and local communities. They urged policymakers to consider the long-term impact of the law on Assam’s culture, language, and resources. Moreover, the organizations leading the protest vowed to intensify their movement until the CAA is repealed.
Sunday’s events in Krishnai are part of a larger wave of dissent across the state. Activists say they will continue organizing awareness campaigns, road marches, and rallies to ensure their message reaches every corner of Assam.
The effigy-burning in Krishnai is more than a symbolic act of anger; it is a statement of resistance against policies that many feel endanger their way of life. The anti-CAA movement in Assam shows no signs of slowing down, as protesters remain determined to defend their cultural and political rights.
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