Guwahati: Tensions rose in Guwahati as firecracker vendors reported threats from the All Assam United Youth Federation (AAUYF), who urged them not to sell fireworks during the forthcoming Diwali festivities. The warnings followed calls by several groups advocating for a silent Diwali in the wake of the untimely death of Assamese artiste Zubeen Garg.
Firecracker traders, who had been preparing for the festival throughout the year, voiced concerns over significant financial losses. Zeetandra Saloi, a local businessman, lodged a complaint at Bharalumukh Police Station against leaders of the Sadou Assam Ekokritiya Yuba Parishad—Ashish Bora, Bidyut Kalita, and Jayanta Gogoi—alleging that they had threatened him and other vendors not to sell firecrackers. Saloi claimed the trio even instructed that any fireworks sold should be thrown into the Brahmaputra.
Police registered a case based on Saloi’s complaint, and investigations were ongoing. Authorities were called upon to safeguard traders and protect the livelihoods of those involved in the fireworks business. Saloi also noted that traders invest heavily in production months in advance, making the threats particularly disruptive.
The incident drew a reaction from Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who emphasised that firecrackers should not be banned this Diwali, citing the importance of religious tradition and the economic implications for those dependent on the trade. The episode has captured attention across the state, as authorities and traders prepared for a potentially tense festival season.
