Congress workers gherao Cachar sp office over attack on MP Rakibul Hussain

Protests erupted across Assam after Congress MP Rakibul Hussain was attacked while on his way to a party meeting in Gunomari village under Rupohi police station on February 20. The Dhubri MP was reportedly assaulted with cricket bats by a group of masked assailants shouting slogans against him. His PSOs attempted to protect him by opening fire but were also attacked. Additional police forces later dispersed the crowd, and Hussain was taken to a hospital for first aid.

The attack has sparked widespread criticism of Assam Police for its failure to ensure the security of an elected Member of Parliament. Congress workers have staged protests across the state, chanting “BJP Go Back” slogans. In response, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the opposition leader’s security would be strengthened while he is in the district.

In Silchar, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Kumar Borah led a massive demonstration on Friday (February 21) against the government and police, condemning their failure to protect Hussain. Congress workers gheraoed the Cachar Superintendent of Police’s office, resulting in a tense situation and a scuffle between protesters and police. The party demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those involved in the attack.

Addressing the protest, Bhupen Borah said, “We have nothing against Assam Police. But if those in khaki, with weapons and the name ‘Assam’ on their uniform, are being attacked and kicked, it is an attack on Assam itself. If this continues, the state will descend into a ‘jungle raj’. Protection is given to opposition leaders so they can speak without fear for the weak and downtrodden. Two PSOs couldn’t protect Rakibul Hussain—what does that say about security?”

Borah also questioned the administration’s inaction in the Umrangso coal mine disaster, where 25 labourers were trapped inside an illegal mine, and only five bodies have been recovered so far. “The police couldn’t keep an eye on an illegal coal mine?” he asked.

Meanwhile, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on X that 10 people involved in the alleged attack on Rakibul Hussain have been identified, and the police will take action as per law.