Guwahati, December 12: Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for calm and peace in Assam via social media, the Opposition Congress was quick to remind him that internet has been suspended in the northeastern state. The net connectivity was snapped in 10 districts of Assam on Wednesday in bid to curtail the protests over Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2019. CAB Protest: Stone Pelted at Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal's House, Protesters in Assam Set Ablaze Chabua And Panitola Railway Stations.
Although the mobile internet services were cut off for a 24-hour period stretching till 7 pm today, it is expected to be further extended as the state continues to remain on the edge. To quell the anti-CAB agitation, the government has now roped in the Indian Army, with five columns of the forces now being deployed to prevent breakdown of law and order.
In wake of the statewide unrest, PM Modi issued a statement on social media earlier today, claiming that Assam would not be harmed in any manner through the passage of CAB.
"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.
Congress Jabs PM Modi on Twitter
Our brothers & sisters in Assam cannot read your 'reassuring' message Modiji, in case you've forgotten, their internet has been cut off. https://t.co/mWzR9uPgKh
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 12, 2019
"Our brothers and sisters in Assam cannot read your 'reassuring' message Modiji, in case you've forgotten, their internet has been cut off," the party said on social media.
Notably, the Citizenship Amendment Bill was cleared in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday with 125 lawmakers voting in its favour, as against 99 who voted against the contentious law. Once implemented, the legislation would provide citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian refugees who entered from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh on or before December 31, 2014.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 12, 2019 11:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).