The anger against yoga instructor of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Satinath Baral, for his alleged derogatory remarks against Srimanta Xankardeb has not diminished among the people of Assam, especially those from the xatras — the seats of Vaishnavite learning and culture.

Thousands of people, including bhakats of the famous Barpeta Xatra, all dressed in white, took out a massive rally in Barpeta on Thursday to demand Baral’s arrest.

Baral had allegedly made derogatory remarks against Srimanta Xankardeb and naam ghoxa.

Bhakats of Barpeta Xatra organised a meeting at the Kirtanghar there on Monday and resolved to boycott Patanjali products and not to allow Ramdev or Patanjali to hold any event in Barpeta, while resolving to take out a protest rally on Thursday.

All dealers and retail outlets of Patanjali products downed shutters after the meeting.

The rally started from Barpeta Kirtanghar and proceeded towards the deputy commissioner’s office through the main street of the town with the protesters shouting slogans like “Baba Ramdev murdabad”, “Patanjali barjjon korok (boycott Patanjali)”, “Immediately arrest bhanda (fake) Satinath” and “Ramdev go back”, among others.

They submitted a memorandum the Barpeta deputy commissioner, addressed to Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, urging him to take action against Baral while demanding his arrest.

The rally proceeded to Barpeta sadar police station where on behalf of the Bhurah xatradhikar of Barpeta Xatra, the xatradhikars of Sundaridiya Xatra and Patbaushi Xatra filed an FIR against Baral.

Members of the Asom Sattra Mahasabha also organised a protest at Kumarikata in Tamulpur block of Baksa district on Wednesday, in which members of 12 xakha xatras participated along with members of the Kumarikata Anchalik Students Union.

The rally started from Kumarikata and proceeded to Belkhuti, a distance of about 3km.

A memorandum was presented to the Baksa deputy commissioner demanding immediate arrest of Baral and exemplary punishment for him for his alleged remarks against Xankardeb and Assamese social and religious life.