Hong Kong in Guwahati: Thousands Protest against CAB in front of AASU Office despite Curfew

Guwahati, December 12, 2019:

A day after the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed in the Rahya Sabha, the masses have taken to the streets of Guwahati yet again, to condemn the controversial legislation. In a scene that seems straight out of the recent protests in Hong Kong, thousands of agitators can be seen assembling in front of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) office to express their resentment against the Bill.

Despite the indefinite curfew that has been imposed in the State, protesters have taken to the streets early in the morning, to demand the immediate scrapping of the Bill. Reportedly, the agitators have started burning tyres and taking out processions yet again, despite the deployment of additional security personnel across the city.

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"We will not accept the CAB" seems to be the prevailing sentiment in the generally peace-loving city which has perhaps not seen protests of this magnitude since the 6-years long Assam Agitation (1979-1985). However, Guwahati is burning, much like the Hong Kong before it, and the people are left for seeking answers from their leaders.

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Carrying gamusas and placards inscribed with anti-CAB messages, a huge procession was also seen heading from Beltola to Latasil in Uzanbazar area. "If you are Assamese, join us", shouted the protesters in unison, urging all the spectators on the streets to merge with the protesting body.

Meanwhile, the houses of BJP MP Rameswar Teli and MLA Prasanta Phukan. It has been reported that miscreants even pelted rocks at Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's residence in Dibrugarh.

It may be mentioned here that the contentious Bill has been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, which has added further fuel to the fire against the Bill in the Northeastern states.

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