Guwahati Court Summons Artist and Activist Over Bharalumukh Protest

Guwahati: A Guwahati court has issued summons for artist Marshall Baruah and youth leader Ankuman Bordoloi to appear on June 25. The legal action stems from their involvement in a 2024 demonstration in Bharalumukh, where protesters rallied against the clearing of trees for local infrastructure and beautification projects.

Both men previously spent 14 days in judicial custody after police booked them under several non-bailable provisions, including charges of alleged conspiracy. The controversy centered on an artwork designed to promote environmental protection, which authorities claimed was insulting to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Public discourse remains active regarding the arrests, which drew sharp criticism from various environmental organizations and civil society groups.

Tensions in the city escalated following a separate incident involving a mural of singer Zubeen Garg. Authorities painted over the artwork, created by Baruah at the Ganeshguri underpass, to prepare for a visit by then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The removal sparked significant online backlash. Baruah later recreated a modified version of the mural with a prominent red background, stating, "The removal triggered strong online reactions, with citizens demanding that the artwork be reinstated."