Present Situation Peaceful But Challenging: Chief Secretary Alok Kumar

GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has termed the present situation in the State “peaceful but challenging” even as it made an appeal to various organizations and political parties to exercise restraint while expressing their protests.

Chief Secretary Alok Kumar while addressing a joint press conference with DGP Kuladhar Saikia, Additional Chief Secretary to Home & Political department Kumar Sanjay Krishna and IGP, SB Hiren Chandra Nath at the Chief Minister’s block at Janata Bhawan in Dispur here on Saturday afternoon on the backdrop of the widespread protests and agitations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, across the State, said everyone has the right to protest in a democratic and dignified manner. He, however, said the Government has observed certain deviations in the recent democratic public protests.

The press conference has come close on the heels of recent untoward incidents that took place in Nalbari and Tinsukia districts during the protests and agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The AASU activists were physically assaulted allegedly by the ruling BJP activists during the protests in Nalbari district.

“Our concern is that while protests are on, we must also give space to people who have different views in a matured democracy. Listening is also very important for a vibrant democracy. Taking off cloths in public may not be the best way to protest,” Kumar said. He said the ongoing discourse should not degenerate to violence on streets.

Alok Kumar said in view of the ensuing 2019 Lok Sabha elections it is imperative to create an atmosphere for free and fair polls.

Asked categorically about the present law-and-order situation, Kumar said, “The situation is peaceful but it is challenging” He, however, said the administration is ready to tackle any eventuality and situation.

DGP Kuladhar Saikia said the police have registered eight cases so far over stray incidents of violence that took place in different parts of the State during the ongoing agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Saikia said while three cases have been registered in Tinsukia, two cases were registered in Behali in Biswanath district. Another three cases have been registered in Nalbari district. He said nine persons have been arrested in connection with the Nalbari incident. Five persons have been arrested in Tinsukia.

Rejecting the allegations and reports that police is being used by the present regime in Dispur to scuttle the ongoing democratic movement against the Citizenship Bill, Saikia said the police has rather become very strict against all lawbreakers.

Asked about the recent statement of Cabinet Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that the movement against Citizenship Bill is controlled by the ULFA, the DGP, however, said that as of now, the police do not have specific input in this regard but they are looking into it.

“We have registered cases in Tinsukia, Nalbari and Behali and arrested several persons. Only after a detailed interrogation, we would be able to speak on the involvement of underground outfits in the movement,” Saikia said.

Kumar Sanjay Krishna said the State Government is yet to receive any official communiqué from the Prime Minister Office about PM Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Assam. “We have so far heard about the Prime Minister’s proposed visit from the media only,” Krishna said.

Also Read: Top Headlines