Normalcy Backs in Assam

Guwahati: Normalcy is back in Assam with the state remaining peaceful after several days of violent protests against the CAA.

Section 144 clamped in Dibrugarh has been relaxed for 14 hours since 6 am today but mobile internet services remained suspended, officials said.

Section 144 clamped in Guwahati on December 11 was lifted on Tuesday following improvement in law and order, they said.

Businesses and banks in Guwahati were open and vehicles plied the roads but schools and colleges were closed.

Flight operations and railway services have resumed in Guwahati while flights to and from Dibrugarh airport were also operating as per schedule, the officials said.

The All Assam Students’ Union, which is spearheading the agitation against the CAA, has planned sit-ins on December 21 and 23 and rallies on December 24, 26 and 28.

Islamic outfit Popular Front of India’s Assam unit chief Aminul Haque and another office bearer were arrested on Wednesday for their alleged role in the violence during protests over the citizenship law, police said.

Also, the Assam Human Rights Commission has directed the chief secretary to constitute a high-level panel for probing deaths of five protesters in police action during protests over the amended Citizenship Act here last week.

Meanwhile, the 12-day Guwahati Book Fair, organised by the state government’s Assam Publication Board, has been postponed indefinitely due to “unforeseen circumstances”, Board Secretary Pramod Kalita said.