Guwahati, December 12: Amid the raging protests against Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Assam, the government has shunted out Guwahati Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar. The top cop of the state capital was relieved from his charge and transferred as the Assistant Director General of Police (ADGP) of the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Guwahati: Army Conducts Flag March to Quell Anti-CAB Protests, Indefinite Curfew Continues, Mobile Internet Remains Snapped.

The transfer of Kumar comes a day after the protesters vandalised scores of shops in Guwahati and pelted stones at the residence of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. In view of the escalating violence, the government extended the curfew and blocked internet services. CAB Passage Jolts Northeast: Why Assam and Neighbouring States Are Up in Protest Against Citizenship Amendment Bill.

A flag march was carried out by the Indian Army earlier today in Guwahati as protests rocked the state capital till 3 am in the night. Four additional columns of the Indian Army were also deployed in the early hours of the day to curtail the agitation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement on social media, appealing the residents of Assam and other parts of Northeast to maintain calm. The CAB, he claimed, would in no manner damage the cultural and linguistic identity of Assam.

"I want to assure my brothers and sisters of Assam that they have nothing to worry after the passing of CAB. I want to assure them - no one can take away your rights, unique identity and beautiful culture. It will continue to flourish and grow," Modi said.

"The Central Government and I are totally committed to constitutionally safeguard the political, linguistic, cultural and land rights of the Assamese people as per the spirit of Clause 6," he further tweeted.

The Clause 6, which was incorporated under the Assam Accord of 1985, calls for constitutional, administrative and legislative measures to safeguard the promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. The All Assam Students' Union and the North East Students' Union, who are leading the current round of protests, have alleged violation of Clause 6 if the CAB is implemented.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2019 03:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).