Guwahati Police Detain Three Protesters over Anti-Tree Cutting Graffiti

Guwahati – Three individuals, including two graffiti artists, have been detained by Guwahati police for allegedly painting the slogan “Kick Himanta Save Nature” in protest of tree-cutting activities in the Bharalumukh area. The detained have been identified as Marshal Baruah, Angkuman Bordoloi, and Kamal Kumar.

According to sources, the trio was apprehended early Sunday and is currently under interrogation at the Bharalumukh police station, which has been restricted to media and civilians. Initially, the protesters had displayed the message “Please Himanta Save Nature,” but it was reportedly altered as frustration mounted over the government’s decision to cut down trees for a flyover project in various parts of the city.

The protests against the Bharalumukh tree-cutting began Saturday night, with local residents and student groups uniting in protest, singing Bhupen Hazarika’s songs in a show of solidarity. This marks the latest in a series of protests over similar issues in areas like Dighalipukhuri.

The tree-cutting, spearheaded by the state’s Public Works Department (PWD), is part of a plan to construct a flyover to ease traffic congestion around Bharalumukh’s railway gate. Over 70 trees are set to be removed as part of the project.

Protesters have voiced demands for a public hearing and community consent before the flyover construction proceeds, advocating for a more environmentally responsible approach to urban development.