Assam: Clutching Gandhi to Chest, Lone Man Stages Protest against Citizenship Bill

Kaliabor, December 2, 2019:

Today, on the occasion of Assam Diwas, a lone protester could be seen staging a demonstration against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the Centre has resolved to pass anyway, no matter the cost.

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What made the protest unique is that the man, Pradip Baruah, was clutching a picture of Mahatma Gandhi, and had surrounded himself with signs denouncing the current administration. He was seen shouting slogans imploring the Centre to withdraw the Bill, and uphold the Assam Accord, among other demands.

Baruah was also seen calling upon all the indigenous organizations of the State to unitedly oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

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Soon, the man was able to attract the attention of the passing public, and a small crowd had soon gathered around him. The media also reached the spot to gain more insight about this unique protest.

Baruah said that he had chosen this day to protest since today is celebrated as Assam Diwas. "If this CAB is enacted, will Assamese people be able to celebrate this day again?", he asked. The protester also stated that 30 years after the signing of the Assam Accord, the people of the State have once again been forced to protest to save the integrity and identity of the State.

The protester also called upon the people of Kaliabor to take to the streets to oppose the Bill.

It is pertinent to mention here that that many organizations from the Northeast Indian states have been protesting against the Bill, which is expected to be tabled during the ongoing winter session of the Parliament.

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