Anti-CAA protests erupt in Assam, police threaten legal action against agitators

Guwahati: The Central government’s decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 on Monday has resulted in protests around the state.

The new rules of CAA will grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

This decision is now witnessing strong reactions in Assam. The Guwahati Police on the other hand has cautioned against damages during protests, stating legal actions will be taken against violators.

Numerous organisations and opposition parties in Assam have intensified their agitation against the CAA.

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and other groups have been at the helm, organising rallies and burning copies of the CAA across the state.

According to reports, the protestors have vowed to continue their peaceful and democratic opposition.

Legal actions, including a petition to the Supreme Court, are being considered by protestors as a way to challenge the CAA's implementation.

The Guwahati Police has issued a warning to agitating parties organising “Sarbatmak Hartal (complete strike)”.

It has said that legal action will be taken if there is any “damage to public/private property including Railway and National Highway properties or injury to any citizen caused”.

“Legal action under appropriate provisions of law including the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 will be initiated against you and the total cost of damage to public and private properties will be recovered from you and your Organization,” it added.