Guwahati: Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Assam wing has demanded the unconditional release of graffiti artist Marshal Barua and Angkuman Bordoloi while opposing the “authoritarian measures of the state govt”. They were apprehended and incarcerated for using disparaging slogans against the chief minister during protests against proposed tree-felling.
AAP state president Manoj Dhanowar, while addressing a press conference, said, “In the name of constructing flyovers in Guwahati, the govt has assaulted the environment. Various organisations and vigilant citizens of the state have protested against the govt’s decision to fell numerous century-old trees in Bharalumukh.”
Similarly, he stated, Marshal and National Youth Front’s publicity secretary Angkuman have manifested their protest through paintings. “The artists staged their protest against govt’s injustice towards the environment and nature. This protest through art exemplifies a democratic movement,” he said.
Dhanowar alleged that the BJP-led state govt has prioritised the construction of flyovers in Guwahati in the name of development, while disregarding the severe ramifications of climate change and global warming.
“There was also a protest against the felling of trees near Dighalipukhuri recently. Following spontaneous public protests, the tree-felling on the banks of Dighalipukhuri was suspended. We also demand the withdrawal of the decision to fell trees in Bharalumukh,” he said.
He implored CM Himanta Biswa Sarma-led govt to abstain from undertaking any measures that would imperil the city’s environment.
Several student groups, including the left-wing students’ organisation, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), orchestrated a demonstration on the bank of Dighalipukhuri on Tuesday, demanding the release of Marshal and Angkuman. Members from the artistes’ fraternity alongside civilians participated in the demonstration.
Marshal and Angkuman were apprehended by the police on charges of criminal intimidation and provocation, among other charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Monday for allegedly employing derogatory slogans on a canvas during a protest through art and music on Saturday night at Bharalumukh against the proposed felling of over 70 trees for a flyover project. A local court remanded them in judicial custody the same day.
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