Assam flood victims protest in Guwahati over relief delays

Flood victims from Upper Assam districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat, staged a mass protest in Guwahati on September 23. Organized by the Raijor Dal, the demonstration demanded immediate financial assistance and adequate compensation for losses incurred during the devastating July floods.

Protesters, led by Raijor Dal president and MLA Akhil Gogoi, alleged that the government has failed to provide sufficient relief despite the destruction of homes, crops, and livelihoods. Specific demands included Rs 10 lakh in compensation for families whose properties were destroyed and a CBI inquiry into the causes of the floods.

In response to the agitation, Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah stated that while the government arranged Rs 15,000 for one lakh affected families, many payments were returned due to incorrect bank account details. Borah noted that authorities are currently working to rectify these banking issues and highlighted the efforts of over 50,000 teachers who assisted in collecting beneficiary information.