Tension in Dholai’s Isharhar: GP Member Alleges Police Harassment, ZPC President Election Sparks Political Uproar

May 17, Silchar: Tensions escalated in Isharhar, under the Dholai constituency, following allegations of police harassment leveled by a newly elected Gram Panchayat (GP) member. The incident occurred on the eve of the election for the President of the Zilla Parishad Committee (ZPC), leading to political unrest in the region.

According to reports, a newly elected GP member from the Dholai area claimed that on Monday night, police personnel from Sonai Police Station forcefully entered his home and attempted to take him into custody without serving any legal notice or warrant. The member, whose name has not been officially disclosed, alleged that the action was politically motivated and aimed at preventing him from casting his vote in the crucial ZPC presidential election.

As news of the incident spread, local residents and supporters of the GP member gathered at Sonai Police Station on Tuesday morning to demand an explanation. The protestors accused the police of being influenced by vested political interests. The gathering prompted a tense standoff, forcing police officials to step out and pacify the crowd.

Former ZPC President and current member of the district-level panchayat body, along with various political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, condemned the incident. They demanded an impartial inquiry into the alleged police misconduct and called for accountability from the administration. “This kind of intimidation undermines the democratic process,” said one senior leader who was present during the protest.

Sonai Police Station, when contacted, denied the allegations and stated that no arrest was made. They confirmed that police personnel had visited the GP member’s house based on a separate complaint but did not elaborate further.

The ZPC President election, scheduled for later this week, has become a point of political contention between multiple factions within the district. Allegations of pressure tactics, inducement, and harassment have surfaced over the past few days as candidates vie for majority support among elected panchayat members.

Local NGOs and civil society groups have also raised concerns, urging the district administration to ensure a free and fair electoral process. They called on the police department to maintain neutrality and refrain from interfering in matters that could influence democratic procedures.

Meanwhile, the Barak Valley is closely monitoring the situation as political equations in Dholai and adjacent regions remain volatile. With power dynamics shifting rapidly, all eyes are now on the ZPC President election outcome, which could set the tone for the next phase of grassroots governance in the Cachar district.

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