Jonai, India — A prominent leader of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), Saif Pao, was gravely wounded in a targeted attack involving sharp weapons and blunt objects this Saturday, in an incident that has shocked local community members and highlighted tensions surrounding local governance issues.
The attack occurred at Mising Kristi Bhawan, Jonai, where assailants allegedly abducted Pao, placed him in a sack, and transported him to a remote area to carry out the assault. According to Pao, the violence was precipitated by an RTI (Right to Information) application he had filed against an official within the Mising Autonomous Council, suggesting a potentially retaliatory motive linked to his activism.
Pao recounted a harrowing experience where he was threatened with death and questioned about his decision to file the RTI against a community worker. The assailants allegedly ceased their attack only after Pao agreed under duress to withdraw any legal complaints against the council or the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), an influential social organization.
Following the attack, Pao was urgently admitted to a hospital in Dibrugarh district, where he remains in critical condition. Medical professionals indicate that the injuries are severe, although specifics about his treatment have not been released.
The incident has drawn condemnation from the KMSS, which has criticized local authorities for their lack of action in response to the attack. The organization asserts that the delayed police response raises concerns about the safety of activists and the rule of law in the region.
Local police have launched an investigation into the case, but have yet to make any arrests. The attack on Pao raises issues about the risks faced by activists in rural India, especially those challenging established local authorities or powerful community figures.
Community leaders and activists across India have often been targeted for their efforts to promote transparency and accountability, particularly in areas where political and economic interests are deeply intertwined.
The assault on Saif Pao is not just an attack on an individual but a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who push for systemic change in their communities. It underscores the precarious position of activists in areas where opposition to entrenched powers can result in violent backlash.
As this incident garners more attention, there are calls for more rigorous protection measures for activists and for a thorough and impartial investigation into not only this attack but also the broader issues of governance and corruption that may underlie such violence. The community awaits justice for Pao and a reaffirmation of their right to information and accountability from their leaders.