Guwahati, Jan 23: Assam DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh has said that “appropriate lawful action was being taken against leaders and participants” of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra who allegedly instigated people and violated the law by “breaking down” some barricades at Khanapara on Tuesday.
The state police force had, in view of the Yatra, issued a set of guidelines for adherence to the resolutions of the Advance Security Liaison (ASL), given that a Z+ category ASL protectee is part of the road show.
The city police had given permission to the organisers to take the road show through the national highway via Khanapara.
“However, participants of the road event insisted on changing the route that would have thrown city life out of gear and also jeopardised security of a Z+ category protectee, who is part of the road event. On being advised to stick to the ASL plan, the participants of the road event, at the instigation of senior leaders tried to force their way by changing the route which was resisted by the Assam Police,” the DGP said.
“Participants used force to break down some of the barricades causing injury to some policemen and the general public. Sensing and seeing threat to life and property, Guwahati Police used persuasion to turn the event back to the allotted route. For this violation, and disobeying lawful orders and putting life and property to danger, appropriate lawful action is being taken against such leaders and participants who instigated, led and participated in unlawful activities,” he said.
The DGP further said that the road event was to travel from Meghalaya towards Kamrup through Guwahati.
“There are two major roads and permission was given to use one of these after deliberation with organisers and ASL was done accordingly. This was done to present least inconvenience to general road users. However, participants of the road event insisted on changing the route that would have thrown city life out of gear and also jeopardising security of a Z+ category PP who is part of the road event,” Singh said
“Violation of ASL decisions is also being communicated to appropriate agencies. We remain committed to provide safe passage to the road event while ensuring safety and security of the general people. The organisers are once again advised to stick to decisions arrived at the ASL after mutual discussions,” the DGP said.