Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) general secretary Dhaijya Konwar on Tuesday said the main motive of the movement against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) seems to be shifting towards the formation of a political party.

Konwar, who was presented in the NIA court in Chandmari here, told reporters that the primary aim of the people of Assam should be to keep up a sustained protest against the “unconstitutional” CAA but a shift by way of discussions about a new political party has started to surface.

He said if the people want the Act to be kept away from Assam to protect its demography and culture, then everyone, including the All Assam Students’ Union, Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad, other indigenous organisations, and people from all walks of life, irrespective of their religion, should unite. “A bigger platform needs to be formed. It is time to keep the protest alive and not lose the path,” he said.

He alleged that putting KMSS members “behind bars” was a government conspiracy to prevent them from protesting. He also alleged that accusing KMSS leaders of having militant links was another conspiracy as the Samiti is an organisation of people which believes in social work.

Konwar and Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS) president Bittu Sonowal were presented at the NIA court, which sent them to 10-day NIA custody. Both were arrested on December 16 for allegedly being involved in “promoting enmity” between groups and endangering the security and sovereignty of the state.