A protest by members of the Koch Rajbongshi community at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on September 23 turned tense after a large number of protesters gathered inside the temple premises. According to Kamakhya Temple Doloi Himadri Sarma, protesters began arriving around 5 a.m., entering individually while presenting themselves as devotees.
Their numbers increased significantly between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., leading to a substantial gathering within the temple. Temple authorities stated that the group had not informed the police or temple management beforehand about their plans to stage a demonstration inside the temple. The gathering escalated into a commotion, with officials alleging that some protesters engaged in altercations with temple staff and police.
The situation grew tense during the confrontation within the temple premises. Rajya Sabha MP and Koch Rajbongshi leader Ananta Maharaj was reportedly present during the protest, according to Doloi Himadri Sarma. However, reports do not confirm his direct involvement in any alleged altercation. The specific issue or demands behind the demonstration were not immediately clear. The incident primarily focused on the manner of the protest and the ensuing confrontation inside the temple.
Following the event, Kamakhya Temple authorities announced their intent to lodge a police complaint regarding the alleged altercations. They also noted that those assaulted during the incident are expected to submit a memorandum to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Police and temple officials are set to investigate the circumstances of the gathering and the claims from both sides.
