Congress MP and security guard injured in brazen assault by masked attackers in Nagaon district.
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — On Thursday, Congress MP Raqeebul Husain, representing the Dhubri constituency of Assam, and his personal security officer (PSO) were attacked by a mob in Nagaon district while en route to attend a party meeting. The attackers, masked and wielding cricket bats, left the MP and his PSO injured. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has promised additional security to the MP following the assault, while opposition leaders are raising alarms over the state’s law and order situation.
The shocking incident occurred when MP Hussain, riding a two-wheeler to a meeting in Gunomari village under Rupohi police station, was ambushed by a group of individuals. The attackers, who had covered their faces with black cloth, raised slogans against the MP as they struck. Hussain’s PSOs attempted to protect him by opening fire, but the mob retaliated, leading to further violence.
As the situation escalated, additional police forces arrived at the scene and dispersed the attackers. The MP was immediately taken to a hospital where he received first aid for his injuries. While the injuries were described as non-serious, the attack has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of political figures in the region.
Following the incident, Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP), Harmeet Singh, reassured the public that the situation was “completely under control,” confirming that the investigation was underway. He also noted that the MP had not suffered major injuries, though his PSOs had sustained minor wounds and were being treated.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the state assembly, confirmed the details of the attack. “The mob tried to prevent MP Hussain from proceeding to the village,” he said, adding that it was only after the PSO fired shots that the situation escalated. However, the MP proceeded to address his meeting with the District Superintendent of Police present, he noted.
Sarma also assured that security for the MP would be enhanced, especially in the Samaguri and Rupohihat areas, where the attack took place. He stressed that the police would continue to ensure the MP’s safety during his stay in the district.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has condemned the attack, with APCC President Bhupen Bora calling it a direct failure of the Chief Minister and the state’s law enforcement. “If the police fails to take action against the attackers, we will be forced to accept that Assam is under a jungle raj,” Bora declared. He accused the ruling BJP of using the police as a political weapon, further alleging that the state government had failed to take action in previous incidents of violence against Congress leaders and workers.
Bora demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack on Hussain, reiterating the need for stronger protection for the MP. “We cannot allow the continued targeting of Congress leaders without consequence,” he added.
Raqeebul Husain has been a prominent political figure in Assam, having served as a five-time MLA before winning the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat last year by an overwhelming margin of over 10 lakh votes. Despite his success at the national level, his son, in a recent by-election for the Samaguri assembly seat, lost to BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarma. The loss of the seat by his son has further intensified the political rivalry between Congress and BJP in the region.
Hussain’s long-standing political career, combined with his prominent role in Congress, makes him a target for political opposition. His popularity, however, remains undeterred as he continues to challenge the current government’s actions, particularly in the realm of law enforcement and political freedoms.
The attack on Raqeebul Husain comes amid growing concerns of political violence in Assam, particularly against opposition figures. The Congress party has accused the BJP-led state government of failing to uphold the rule of law, citing the recent incident as another example of the deteriorating security environment. With political tensions running high in the state, the opposition is demanding immediate action from the authorities to ensure the safety of all public representatives.
“This attack is not just an assault on an individual MP,” said Bora. “It is an attack on democracy itself. We cannot allow political violence to become the norm.” He further urged the government to take a firm stand against the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served.
As the investigation continues, the people of Assam are left questioning the effectiveness of the state’s law enforcement and whether the safety of public figures, especially from opposition parties, is truly a priority for the ruling government.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens, including MPs from opposition parties. However, many are sceptical, given the growing number of violent incidents and the alleged political motivations behind them.
The attack on Raqeebul Husain has sent shockwaves through Assam’s political landscape, with both the ruling and opposition parties bracing for the potential fallout. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Assam and the political world will be watching closely to see if those responsible for this brazen assault are brought to justice.
