DHEMAJI: The continuing agitation seeking the establishment of a sub-divisional office at Chichiborgaon entered its 46th day.
Residents of Chichiborgaon have held several protest programmes since September 28, including petitions, traditional music performances, naam-kirtan, strikes and torchlight processions. Protesters expressed resentment as their demand remained unmet.
At a press conference at the Dhemaji district tribal rest house, the Chichiborgaon Sub-Divisional Office Demand Committee alleged that MP Pradan Baruah and MLA Jibon Gogoi had conspired against the demand. The committee alleged that the administration had ignored the demand because of the vested interests and arbitrariness of the MP and MLA.
The protesters set a three-day deadline for action on the demand and said they would gherao Baruah's residence if no steps were taken within that period.
The committee said Chichiborgaon was a suitable location for people from 15 of the 20 gaon panchayats proposed under the sub-division. It said the area already had a revenue circle office, development block office, mouzadar's office and other important government offices.
Several organisations from Dhemaji extended support to the agitation at the press conference and urged the Assam Chief Minister to respond to the residents' demand and resolve the issue.
