AGP leaders attacked by Congressmen, tension grips Tezpur

Tezpur, Apr 9 (UNI) Tension gripped Tezpur town today following attack on Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) leaders by Congress supporters late last night.

Official reports said here today that three AGP leaders were hacked by Congress supporters when they tried to stop alleged distribution of liquor by local Congress candidate Bijit Saikia's men.

Of the three injured Mr Chandan Bora and Mr Phulhas Ahmed were referred to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital in a critical condition, while Mr Arup Bora was admitted to the local Kanaklata Civil Hospital with serious cut injuries on the forearm.

AGP president Brindabon Goswami, the sitting MLA from the constituency, and party vice-president Birendra Prasad Baishya rushed to the local civil hospital immediately.

Later, talking to newsmen Mr Goswami alleged that the police and civil administration were working in connivance with the Congress in the incident.

Stating that all attempts to contact the district administration proved futile, he said, ''I tried to contact the district administration but all attempts failed. It was only after I talked to the Chief Electoral Officer and he intervened, did the district officials came.'' The AGP president said Congress supporters came up to the Hospital and damaged another local AGP leader Pabitra Borthakur's vehicle.

Meanwhile, more paramilitary forces were rushed to the town following the incident.

Tezpur constituency of Sonitpur district assumes added importance as the AGP president, projected as the next Chief Minister, is contesting from here. Congress's Bijit Saikia also has a strong base and the battle in the constituency is being awaited with much anticipation.

UNI MT-SG KK RL ND1454