Home » Northeast India » Assam » Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi begins hunger strike for Rs 10 lakh flood aid
On India's 80th Independence Day, Akhil Gogoi, Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal chief, commenced a hunger strike at 8 am in flood-affected Sivasagar, Assam, demanding Rs 10 lakh compensation for each family impacted by recent floods.
Gogoi called for a probe into the causes of the severe flood disaster and punishment for those responsible. He also urged the immediate reconstruction of infrastructure in the three worst affected districts of upper Assam.
Addressing the situation, Gogoi said: "There is a wave of celebration across India, but here in the three upper Assam districts, we are crying in grief. The disaster has destroyed everything we had. We have lost our homes, agricultural fields and businesses. There is almost nothing left for us."
He added that the government must take urgent action to provide adequate compensation and restore normalcy. "Therefore, I am staging this protest to demand that this disaster be declared a national disaster so that the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister take notice of the situation and give it the seriousness it deserves," he said.
Gogoi announced further protests including one in Nazira on August 17 followed by a gherao at the Chief Minister's residence in Dispur. He stated: "At the same time, there must be a CBI investigation into why this disaster occurred and who may be responsible for it. I am also protesting to demand that the government provide Rs 10 lakh in compensation to every flood-affected family. After this, I will stage a protest at the ONGC establishment in Nazira on August 17. Subsequently, we will organise a mass gathering and, if necessary, march to and gherao the Chief Minister's residence in Dispur."
Meanwhile, in a show of resilience, residents of Nepali Khuti village in the Nazira Co-District, despite severe flood damage, gathered to celebrate Independence Day. Many came from relief camps and makeshift shelters, clearing ruined land to hoist the national flag.
The flood situation remains critical across several parts of Assam, with ongoing rescue and relief operations. District administrations and revenue circles continue to monitor water levels and assist affected populations in inundated regions.
This story is written by TNM Bureau with inputs from ANI. The News Mill is a Guwahati-based digital media with focus on content from across Northeast India and beyond. We can be reached through [email protected]