AAGSU condemns ‘vandalism’ by Excise officials at NE Food Festival in Guwahati

GANGTOK, 09 Jan: The All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) has condemned what it sees as “vandalism” that took place at the North East Ethnic Food Festival at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati.
In a press release issued yesterday, AAGSU contends that on 06 Jan, around 50 armed constables, enforcement inspector of excise, deputy superintendent, superintendent and two assistant inspectors arrived at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre, Guwahati  around 7:30 PM and vandalised the stalls and manhandled women participants at the NE Ethnic Food festival without any prior information or notice.

According to the organizers, the NE Ethnic Food festival is primarily for promotion of ethnic cuisines of the North East and the same was informed to the Excise department, the release mentions.
Talking to mediapersons in Guwahati yesterday information and publicity secretary AAGSU, Nanda Kirati Dewan said , ‘Vandalism in the name of raid that too in an expo without any prior information is a condemnable act. We the AAGSU condemn it and seek proper investigation” the release further mentions.
The food festival is part of the 6th International Trade Festival, being held at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Betkuchi.