BJP slams Patil for underplaying Assam violence

NEW DELHI: It was an unruly demonstration inviting the wrath of locals that resulted in the violence in Guwahati on November 24 (Saturday), Union home minister Shivraj Patil told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

The BJP attacked him for “not saying a word” on the stripping of a woman in the violence. “He merely read out the Assam government’s report,” said party leader VK Malhotra.

Patil, citing the Assam government’s report, said the All-Adivashi Students’ Association of Assam had no permission to hold the rally, but it took out a procession after overpowering police pickets and resorted to violence. The rallyists were demanding scheduled tribe status for tea plantation workers. “On the way, they reportedly indulged in vandalism,” Patil said.