Gaurav Gogoi Seeks Probe into Molai Kathoni Arson, Slams Rising Discrimination Against Northeast

Lok Sabha Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in states, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged arson at Molai Kathoni in Assam and condemning what he described as the growing hatred, discrimination and neglect faced by people from the Northeast across the country.

Reacting to the incident at Molai Kathoni—the forest painstakingly nurtured by globally renowned environmentalist Jadav Payeng—Gogoi termed the alleged arson “deeply disturbing and condemnable”. He said the destruction of a forest created through years of personal effort by Payeng and his daughter Munmuni Payeng had shocked every conscientious citizen.

“This is an extremely hateful act. Without government patronage, no miscreant would dare to destroy a forest area,” Gogoi said, adding that Molai Kathoni is not just a forest but a symbol of environmental conservation, with Jadav Payeng as its global face.

Questioning the motive behind the arson, Gogoi pointed to media reports suggesting the involvement of a sand mafia nexus. He said that despite repeated opposition from Payeng, permission was allegedly granted for sand mining in riverine areas adjacent to Molai Kathoni. “Given the ecological sensitivity of the region, the government must immediately review the decision and cancel the sand mining licences,” he demanded.

He further called for a proper investigation into the arson incident, immediate arrest of those responsible, strict punishment for the culprits, and decisive action to end the influence of the sand mafia.

Meanwhile, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has expressed concern over threats to the life of Jadav Payeng. NSUI state president Kaushik Kashyap met the environmentalist and said credible threats exist. He warned that if the government fails to provide adequate security, people of Assam will take responsibility for ensuring Payeng’s safety.

Earlier in the day, Gogoi addressed an emotional press conference at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in Delhi, where he strongly condemned the killing of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old student from Tripura, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Gogoi said the incident exposed the deep-rooted prejudice faced by people from the Northeast.

“I am an Indian. I have not come from China. I am an Indian. I am not Chinese,” Gogoi said, echoing the words spoken by Angel Chakma shortly before he was attacked. He said Chakma was subjected to racist slurs such as “Chinese”, “momo” and “chinky” while returning from a market with his brother. “He could have walked away like on many earlier occasions, carrying the hurt in his heart. Had he done so that day, he might still be alive. But that day, the limit of tolerance was crossed,” Gogoi said.

According to Gogoi, when Angel asserted his identity and asked what proof he needed to give that he was Indian, he was attacked from behind. Chakma battled for life in hospital for 14 days before succumbing to his injuries.

Gogoi said the developments following the incident were equally disturbing. Citing the family’s account, he said it took 12 days to register an FIR and that action was initiated only after student protests. While four people have been arrested, he questioned why the main accused is still absconding.

“This is not just about Dehradun. Youths from the Northeast are often not taken seriously when they approach police stations,” Gogoi said, adding that while people of Uttarakhand are largely civilised, such incidents point to a worrying social trend.

Drawing parallels with Assam, Gogoi referred to incidents in the Sixth Schedule area of Karbi Anglong, where indigenous Karbi people have faced slogans like “Karbi Chinese, Karbi go back” despite being sons of the soil. He said such prejudice demands serious introspection.

Gogoi urged the government to address what he described as growing dehumanisation and disrespect towards the Northeast. He called for inclusion of the region’s history, culture and contributions in school and college textbooks. “There must be efforts to understand the literature of the Northeast, listen to its music and learn its languages,” he said, questioning whether the education system has failed to convey India’s diversity.

He also suggested that officials, students and administrators from other parts of the country be encouraged to visit the Northeast to better understand the region. Referring to freedom fighter Kanaklata Barua of Assam, Gogoi said such histories must be shared nationally.

Expressing disappointment over the government’s “One Nation” narrative, Gogoi said it fails to reflect the country’s many languages, identities and cultures. “When diversity is not acknowledged, people view fellow Indians with suspicion,” he said.

Gogoi demanded a swift investigation into the Angel Chakma case, early submission of the chargesheet, strict punishment for those involved, and a separate probe into the delay in registering the FIR to ensure accountability.

Also Read: Alleged Arson Attack Hits Molai Kathoni 2.0 Plantation Founded by 'Forest Man' Jadav Payeng's Daughter