The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) staged protests across Assam on Thursday, accusing the state government of failing to protect households from a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities and vowing sustained agitation until costs fall. Demonstrations were held in Guwahati and in Jorhat, where students marched to the District Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum demanding urgent intervention.
In Guwahati, AASU members gathered near Swahid Nyas at Uzanbazar to protest what they described as a sustained increase in the cost of food, medicines and daily necessities. AASU president Utpal Sarma linked the price rise to broader political and economic factors, asking why prices remain stable during elections but climb rapidly afterwards. “During elections, prices remain stable, but after elections, they rise rapidly. This raises a serious question — is the government with the people or with elite businessmen?” he said.
Sarma criticised the rise in prices coming on the heels of recent floods that affected three districts, saying flood-hit consumers should have received relief instead of facing higher costs. “Three districts have just suffered a disaster and people are already facing immense hardship. At such a time, instead of reducing the prices of essential commodities, the government is allowing them to rise beyond the common man’s reach. Even medicines have become more expensive. This is deeply insensitive,” he said.
AASU also rejected explanations that blamed the floods alone for price increases, urging authorities to identify and punish traders who may be exploiting the situation to inflate rates. Protesters called for consultation with stakeholders and a lasting solution rather than arbitrary price rises.
In Jorhat, hundreds joined a march from Jorhat Stadium to the DC office, raising slogans against the government and the Supply Department for inadequate market regulation. The demonstrators cited recent local price movements: onions up by about Rs 16 per kg over the past 15 days, sugar up Rs 15–20 per kg, and mustard oil higher by around Rs 8 per litre, figures they said are straining ordinary household budgets.
The students’ organisations demanded stronger market monitoring, action against profiteering and accountability for anyone found artificially inflating prices. AASU warned the protests would continue beyond Thursday until a noticeable decline in essential commodity prices is achieved.
