Should We Be Subjects Or Citizens?”— Citizen Body on Current Political Scenario

Expressing deep concern over recent political developments in Assam and across the country, a collective of civil society organisations has raised alarm over what they describe as the steady erosion of democratic norms and accountability. In a statement signed by prominent activists and public intellectuals, including Hiren Gohain, Harekrishna Deka, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Paresh Malakar, Abdul Mannan, and Santanu Borthakur, the groups announced the Assam United Citizens Convention, scheduled for July 5 and 6 at the ITA Cultural Centre, Machkhowa.

Organised amid mounting public discontent, the convention seeks to bring together concerned citizens, grassroots organisations, and opposition voices to discuss Assam’s political trajectory, particularly in view of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The organisers argue that the Garukhuti eviction episode, widely criticised for alleged land grabbing, corruption, and police excesses—has become a stark symbol of the Himanta Biswa Sarma government’s style of functioning. According to them, Garukhuti is not an isolated case but reflective of a pattern marked by "favouritism, normlessness, and lawlessness."

“There is a Garukhuti happening everywhere under this government,” said a spokesperson of the organising committee. “The real question before the people of Assam is, do we want to live as citizens or as subjects? This convention is our collective response to that crisis.”

The business session on July 5 will host nearly 150 civil society activists from across Assam and will focus on drafting a detailed ‘White Paper’ highlighting the alleged misuse of power and erosion of governance under the current administration. A corresponding ‘Charter of Demands’ will propose urgent reforms to restore accountability and public trust.

In addition to analysing the political and administrative situation, the convention will deliberate on the role of independent citizens and civil society organisations in reclaiming democratic space and shaping a people-centric political discourse ahead of the 2026 elections.

The open session on July 6 is expected to draw hundreds of participants from across the state and will feature addresses by renowned public intellectuals and activists including Hiren Gohain, Harekrishna Deka, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, Paresh Malakar, Abdul Mannan, and Santanu Borthakur.

Social and political activist Yogendra Yadav will deliver the keynote address as chief guest, while leaders of various opposition parties are also slated to attend, expressing solidarity with the convention’s objectives.

With calls for transparency, justice, and democratic renewal growing stronger across Assam, the Assam United Citizens Convention aims to serve as a platform for citizen-led resistance and political introspection in an increasingly troubled political environment.

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