Today, On 22nd October, The National Investigation Agency (NIA) charged Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with his involvement in the anti-CAA protests. Gogoi, the president of Raijor Dal, has been a vocal critic of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which he believes poses a threat to Assam’s cultural identity. He previously voiced strong opposition when the first person in Assam received citizenship under the new law.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed charges against former Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi under the UAPA and IPC for his participation in anti-CAA protests.
Similar charges were also brought against three others. Gogoi, the president of Raijor Dal, has been an outspoken critic of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Reacting to the first individual in Assam receiving citizenship under the act, he stated,
“CAA is a threat to our identity… Despite losing five youths in the anti-CAA movement in 2019, the government went ahead and now started giving citizenship to illegal immigrants. This act is anti-Constitution and a threat to democracy.”
Special NIA Judge SK Sharma charged Gogoi under Section 18 (conspiracy) of the UAPA and IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity), and 153B (assertions prejudicial to national integration), according to his counsel, Santanu Borthakur.
Charges under Section 18 of the UAPA and IPC section 120B were also framed against Dhaijya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal, and Manash Konwar. However, the court dismissed UAPA Section 39 (supporting a terrorist organization) and IPC section 124A (sedition), which were recommended by the NIA.
Reacting to the charges, Gogoi said,
“This again proves that we are with the people, and this government wants us to be kept inside the jail. The fight against a fascist and communal government is a very troublesome and expensive affair.”
Gogoi and his associates plan to challenge the charges in the Gauhati High Court. The NIA had been investigating their involvement in the violent anti-CAA protests in Assam in December 2019.
The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, passed by the Indian Parliament in December 2019, grants citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who entered India before December 31, 2014.
The act was seen by many, particularly in Assam and other north-eastern states, as a threat to the indigenous culture and demographics. Protesters argued that the law would lead to an influx of illegal migrants, particularly from Bangladesh, thereby diluting the rights of the native Assamese population. This led to widespread protests, with Gogoi emerging as one of the leading voices opposing the legislation.
Akhil Gogoi, known for his work as a peasant leader and his activism through the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), played a significant role in organizing and mobilizing the anti-CAA protests in Assam. His fiery speeches and strong stance against the central government’s policies made him a target of the authorities. The protests in Assam turned violent in some places, with reports of arson, vandalism, and clashes between protesters and security forces. Several people lost their lives during the unrest.
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