GUWAHATI: The All
Assam Students' Union (Aasu) on Friday staged a "satyagraha" across the state in protest against the rising prices of petrol, diesel, cooking gas and kitchen essentials.
Holding placards, cutouts of LPG cylinders and banners, the Aasu members raised slogans, demanding curbs on spiralling prices of essential goods.
Aasu chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharjya, during the protest outside the organisation's headquarters in Guwahati, said, "The BJP-led government, both at the Centre and in the state, have completely failed to curb price rise. The food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department is least bothered about the concerns of the common people. The department has not put any effort into controlling the prices."
The students' union, he added, had no option but to come out on the streets to protest against the government's policies.
The students' body took out a protest rally also, which was stopped by the police at the Latasil.
It may be mentioned that domestic LPG cylinder was sold at Rs 948.50 in Guwahati, while petrol was sold at Rs 101 on Friday. "The increase in fuel prices has a direct impact on the prices of vegetables and other commodities. The government must take urgent steps to curb price hike in fuel," said Bhattacharjya.
The opposition Congress staged a statewide protest on Thursday against the price rise in kitchen essentials, LPG and fuel. The Congress also blamed the BJP-led government for their failure to curb the prices.