The Assam Riot is a significant event in the history of Assam's peasant struggle. In 1893-94, the peasants of Rangiya Village in the Kamrup district of Assam rose against the British government. They demanded a reduction in taxation. Sir William Ward, the then Assam Chief Commissioner, had increased taxes by 70 to 80%, thereby pushing the peasants into poverty. The people of Assam, whose livelihood depended on agriculture, were not willing to compromise.
The peasants of Assam organized non-revenue campaigns in a few districts, including Rangiya in the Kamrup District. A prominent role was also played by the Raijmel in the peasant uprising. Raijmels were the people's assemblies that served as the local village's judiciary. During colonial rule, the Raijmels also served as a common platform for peasants to protest against issues such as high taxes or revenue rates. The Raijmel decided that the peasants of Rangiya would not pay revenue. A series of demonstrations were organized on 09 December 1893, and on 10 January 1894, thousands gathered near the Rangiya Thana (police station). The protestors shouted that they would not pay increased taxes. As the demonstrators grew in numbers, Deputy Commissioner MC Cabe ordered the military and the armed civil police to open fire on the crowd to disperse them. In the carnage that ensued, a number of people lost their lives. Many leaders were arrested, resulting in the stoppage of the protest.
The Assam Riots symbolized the strength and power of the masses and peasants in particular. This incident saw the peasants emerge as a major force, as they confronted the British authorities fearlessly to protest their exploitative demands.
Source: Indian Culture Portal