CAB Protest: Holidays Declared in Guwahati Schools For 10 Days, AGP Office Attacked
In view of deteriorating law and order situation in Guwahati, authorities have declared holidays for 10 days in all schools. Several clashes between protesters and security forces.
Guwahati, December 12: Massive protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 continued in Assam on Thursday despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance that the government is committed to protecting the interest of northeast. In view of deteriorating law and order situation in Guwahati, authorities have declared holidays for 10 days till December 22 in all schools. Several clashes between protesters and security forces. CAB Passage Jolts Northeast: Why Assam and Neighbouring States Are Up in Protest Against Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Police said that they had to open fire in Lalung Gaon area in Guwahati after protesters allegedly pelted stones at them, News18 reported. Four agitators were injured in the firing. In Ambari, the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ally the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) was allegedly attacked by protesters. A residence of a BJP legislator was also set ablaze in Guwahati. Protests were also held in Tripura and Meghalaya. Citizenship Amendment Bill Debate: Manipur to be Exempted Via Inner Line Permit, Says Amit Shah; Here's How ILP Will Offset CAB Impact.
Due to ongoing protest, trains to and from Tripura and Assam have been suspended. A couple of railway stations were also set on fire by protesters. Passengers were stranded at Guwahati airport as thousands gathered outside the airport. Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appealed to the people of the state to maintain peace and calm. "I assure the people of Assam full protection to ensure their identity as a whole," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, mobile Internet services in Assam has been suspended for another 48 hours. The entire region of the northeast, especially Assam, has been witnessing violent protests ever since the CAB was passed by Parliament on Wednesday.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2019 05:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).