Guwahati: Army Conducts Flag March to Quell Anti-CAB Protests, Indefinite Curfew Continues, Mobile Internet Remains Snapped
With the situation continuing to remain insensitive, the administration has decided to indefinitely extend the curfew, which bars assemblage of more than four people across the state. Mobile internet services, which were snapped yesterday for a 24-hour period, are expected to remain off for the next couple of days considering the fragile situation.
Guwahati, December 12: The Indian Army conducted a flag march in the Assam capital in wee hours of Thursday as the city was rocked with violence till late night 3 am. The protesters, who are affiliated to an array of indigenous rights' bodies and students' unions, continues their demonstration last night despite increased police deployment. CAB Protest: Stone Pelted at Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal's House, Protesters in Assam Set Ablaze Chabua And Panitola Railway Stations.
With the situation continuing to remain insensitive, the administration has decided to indefinitely extend the curfew, which bars assemblage of more than four people across the state. Mobile internet services, which were snapped yesterday for a 24-hour period, are expected to remain off for the next couple of days considering the fragile situation.
The two Army columns of roughly 150 security personnel each, which were kept on standby in Assam considering the escalating violence, have staged flag marches to deter protesters from hitting the streets.
Violent Protests Across Guwahati
The protests were called by the powerful North East Students' Union (NESO) and the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) to call upon the central government to revoke amendments to the Citizenship Act. As per the changes, which were moved through the amendment legislation, non-Muslim refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh would be naturalised.
Protesters in Assam claim that the CAB would violate the agreement reached through the 1985 Assam Accord. The AASU agitation of the 80s' was not aimed at expunging only the Muslim infiltrators, but also the Hindu settlers from Bangladesh. If the CAB is implemented, the NESO claimed, the indigenous population would turn into minority across the North East.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2019 09:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).