As the country celebrated its 80th Independence Day, Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi went on a hunger strike in flood-ravaged Sivasagar, demanding compensation of Rs 10 lakh for every family affected by the recent floods.
Sivasagar MLA Gogoi began the hunger strike at 8 am on Saturday. He also demanded a probe into the cause behind the massive flood disaster and that those responsible be punished. Another key demand included immediate reconstruction of infrastructure in the three flood-affected districts.
Gogoi said the government must take urgent steps to provide adequate compensation and restore normal life in the flood-hit areas.
“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 said.
“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”, Gogoi added.
Akhil Gogoi also announced a protest in Nazira on August 17, followed by a gherao at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi observes hunger strike on I-Day, demands compensation for flood-hit families
