The authorities on Friday imposed Section 144 CrPC across the capital town soon after the arrest of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi from the Press Club here on Friday afternoon when he was addressing a crowded press meet.
The move was aimed at preventing any untoward incident following the arrest with his supporters converging in the Pan Bazar police station where he was taken after arrest.
His slogan shouting supporters tried to stage demonstration in front of the police station but the police thwarted the attempt.
Mr. Gogoi’s wife Dr Gitashree Tamuly said, “Being an activist, arrests are part of my husband’s life ...it is not a big problem. He is ready to face any eventuality.
“The voice of the people could not be stifled by arresting him. Many more voices would come out to fight injustice”, she asserted.
Denying allegations that her husband had led the violent demonstration at Dispur on Wednesday, she said Mr. Gogoi had not instigated the people. “But since they had come out under his leadership, he is morally responsible for it“.
Ms. Tamuly said the situation would not have taken a violent turn if high officials had met the protesters who she claimed were Congress supporters.
On Thursday 10 cases were registered against Mr. Gogoi at Dispur police station alleging that Wednesday’s violence and arson in Dispur took place under his leadership.
Three persons were killed, 50 others injured, 170 private and public vehicles destroyed during the violence, following a demonstration demanding land deed for government land unauthorisedly encroached upon by them.
Asked if she was allowed to meet Mr. Gogoi after his arrest, Ms. Tamuly replied in the negative. “I saw him inside the police station when two doctors were examining him”.
Meanwhile, security around Guwahati Press Club has been tightened as a precautionary measure.
