A farmer activist died after setting himself ablaze on Monday to demand land deeds for people living on the hills here, triggering protests and road and rail blockades in various parts of Assam.
Pranab Boro, 45, poured petrol and set himself on fire before the state secretariat during an agitation organised by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS).
“Doctors tried to save his life. Boro died at 4:28 pm. He suffered 100 per cent burns,” said Hospital Superintendent Ramen Talukdar.
The immolation, a first among Assam’s farmers, sparked widespread protests and road and rail blockades in various parts of the state.
When contacted, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) A P Rout said, “Road blockades are going on at some places in Golaghat and Sivasagar and rail blockade in Jorhat. We are taking action and clearing the blockades now.”
Published 24 February 2014, 20:39 IST