Daily life in Dhubri district was disrupted on Thursday as the All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) enforced a 12-hour bandh in protest against alleged police excesses.

The bandh followed a Wednesday night incident in Golakganj, where police reportedly baton-charged students during a torchlight procession, injuring several, including women. The rally was organised to demand Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Koch-Rajbongshi community and a separate ‘Kamatapur’ state.

In response, the Assam government suspended the officer-in-charge of Golakganj police station and withdrew the Gauripur OC from active duty. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma directed PHED Minister Jayanta Malla Barua to assess the situation, meet the injured, and ensure medical support. An official inquiry has been ordered, with a report expected within five days.

Opposition Congress criticised the handling of the incident. State president Gaurav Gogoi condemned the police action as a violation of democratic rights and urged dialogue with Assam’s youth instead of suppression.

The Koch-Rajbongshi community, along with Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Matak, Moran, and Tea Tribes, has long sought inclusion in the ST category, while AKRSU continues to press for the creation of ‘Kamatapur’.