Home Guards launch indefinite hunger strike in Sribhumi

Sribhumi: A wave of protest has swept through Assam’s Sribhumi district as Home Guards began an indefinite hunger strike on June 25, rallying against what they describe as years of neglect and unstable service conditions. The protest, which has drawn attention from across the region, is taking place outside the District Commissioner’s office, where dozens of personnel have gathered in peaceful resistance.

Voices rang out in unison as the demonstrators raised slogans demanding justice, stability, and dignity in their roles. The strike, driven by mounting frustration, comes after repeated calls for reform have allegedly gone unheard.

At the heart of the agitation lies a deep discontent with the existing structure of Home Guard employment. Protesters highlight the insecurity stemming from short-term contractual appointments, which they claim offer little financial stability or legal assurance. Calls for amending the archaic Home Guards Act of 1947 and abolishing the six-month tenure system have grown louder.

“We are not asking for privileges; we are demanding the dignity of stable employment and legal recognition,” said one of the protestors, underscoring the emotional and economic toll of prolonged uncertainty.

The hunger strike is seen by many as a desperate yet resolute act, marking a pivotal moment in the Home Guards’ long-standing struggle for systemic change. With tempers flaring and morale running high, protest leaders have warned of an escalation into a broader state-wide movement should authorities fail to engage.

As the protest enters its early days, pressure mounts on the administration to respond. For now, the voices in Sribhumi continue to echo—a call not for concessions, but for recognition and respect.