GUWAHATI: The Assam government has termed the prevailing situation in the state as “peaceful but challenging” even as it appealed to agitating organisations and political parties to exercise restraint and express their opinions in a “democratic and dignified” manner.
The state has apparently been on the boil in the wake of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, being passed in Lok Sabha and the Centre intent on tabling the contentious legislation in Rajya Sabha amid stiff opposition from organisations/groups and political parties across Northeast.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, Assam chief secretary, Alok Kumar appealed to all organisations/groups and political parties to express their views/opinions in a democratic, peaceful and dignified way.
“The situation is peaceful but challenging. While we understand the need for giving everyone the space to express views, it is the responsibility of leaders of organisations to keep the movement democratic, peaceful and dignified,” Kumar said.
Of late, a couple of violent incidents also took places in Nalbari and Tinsukia districts in sharp contrast in what has in general been a democratic movement against CAB.
“However, we have observed certain deviations of late, and the government feels the need to take stock of that and try to be as tolerant and dignified in its conduct as possible. Strip protests should not be resorted to express opinions/views by a mature and wholesome society. The conduct of groups and parties needs to be dignified as it goes into young minds that look upon the leaders as role models,” Kumar said.
The chief secretary also said that with the general elections just about three months away, an atmosphere for free and fair elections was imperative.
“We must be careful that the situation does not go out of control of organisations, groups and even law and order authorities,” Kumar said.
He further said that restraint was necessary in a democratic protest as there is apprehension on the part of the government that certain unscrupulous elements might take advantage of the situation and create trouble.
Asked whether the government was advised on any untoward situation in the wake of the anti-CAB movement, Kumar without elaborating said that opinions and views were exchanged in meetings.
Investigation on
Asked whether any group/outfit was behind the Nalbari and Tinsukia incidents, Assam director general of police, Kuladhar Saikia said, “Investigation is on whether any organisation or group was behind the incidents. But we still believe that law and order situation is under control even as we have registered certain cases.”
It may be noted that three detained AASU activists were allegedly beaten up by BJP workers inside a prison in Nalbari district on January 27. Three days later, a section of anti-CAB protesters intercepted and roughed up BJP president of Tinsukia district, Lakheswar Moran when he was on his way to a rally held under the aegis of an RSS-affiliated organisation in Tinsukia.
Asked whether the media was under surveillance after an Assam minister reportedly claimed that the government had information that certain journalists and organisations were “being dictated by a militant outfit” in regard to the anti-CAB movement, the DGP said, “I am not in a position to talk about whether media is under surveillance. Media is an important part of the society. But we are investigating the matter and nothing can be disclosed now.”
Saikia said that police has been strict against any law breaker. “Anyone breaking law will be dealt with in accordance with the prevailing law. Three cases have been registered in regard to the Tinsukia incident and five persons arrested. In Nalbari too, three cases have been registered and nine nabbed.”
On the Behali incident, where a toddler was allegedly stripped of his black jacket before entering the venue of a rally addressed by the chief minister, DGP Saikia said two cases have been registered and notices served. Investigation is on and we are looking at charges such as wrongful restraint, violence. But according to video footage, the police personnel were about 300 metres away from the place of frisking.”
On the security front, he said the state has sufficient forces across all districts to control the situation.
