Situation in Assam challenging: Chief Secretary Alok Kumar

Guwahati, January 2, 2019:

Kuladhar Saikia, Director General of Police, Guwahati, addressing the media today, stated that “there is no violence anywhere as such”, when asked about the situation of unrest in the state. This statement would suggest that the top-ranked authorities are in denial as Assam has been on boil since protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill got underway.

Reacting to allegations that the law and order personnel are stooges of the current administration, Kuladhar Saikia said: “Regarding the allegations of police being partial, it is not true.” The official also said that the law and order situation in the state is under control despite some group clashes. Alok Kumar, Chief Secretary of Assam, has admitted that the situation in the state is “peaceful but challenging.”

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Despite these assurances of the authorities, a prevailing atmosphere of doom and gloom can be witnessed in the state, with 'Assamese vs Assamese' becoming the norm. People from across the state are engaged in clashes with the bone of contention being the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, with some parties in support of the Bill, while others are against it.

The protests have recently turned violent, with BJP-affiliated thugs beating up AASU members inside a Nalbari police station. Subsequently, Tinsukia BJP President Lakheswar Moran was beaten up by protestors at an RSS rally.