Citizenship Bill: Sahitya Akademi Awardee, 2 Others Charged for Sedition Amid Protests in Assam

Guwahati: Sedition charges have been brought against Sahitya Akademi awardee Assamese litterateur Dr Hiren Gohain, senior journalist Manjit Mahanta and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader Akhil Gogoi in Assam on Thursday, police said, as protests continue in the state against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Police suo motu registered a case at the Latasil police station here under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code — including 124(A) that deals with charges of sedition, 120 (B) dealing with criminal conspiracy, Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar told reporters here.

“A case has been registered against them. I am investigating what they spoke during a Nagarik Samaj meeting here on January 7,” Kumar said.

The three are part of a civil society group — ‘Nagarik Samaj’ — which is protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.