GUWAHATI/KOKRAJHAR: At least 12 persons, including policemen, were injured when a 'rail roko' agitation launched by All
Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani (AAKRS) demanding
ST status turned violent at
Choutara Railway Station in
Assam's Kokrajhar district on Monday.
Since morning, AAKRS supporters squatted on the tracks to press for their demand. But trouble began at 11.30 am when police tried to clear the tracks resulting in a fierce clash. Police had to fire tear-gas shells and wield batons when the protesters started pelted stones at them. Altogether 18 AAKRS supporters have been arrested. The picketeers were asked to leave the agitation site after the Sanmilini leaders submitted a memorandum and lifted the blockade.
"The situation suddenly turned violent when police tried to evict the protesters from the tracks forcefully. The agitators were unhappy as the Koch Rajbongshi community has not got the ST status yet. We condemn the police action," said Akrsu general secretary Gokul Barman.
Kokrajhar SP Rajen Singh said police took action only after the protesters started pelting stones at them. "We had to fire tear-gas shells and weild batons to control the situation. A car of journalists was damaged," he added.
Due to the 'rail roko' agitation, a number of goods and passenger trains had to be controlled at various stations.
(Picture used for representational purpose)
