Assam: Curfew Lifted From Guwahati, Broadband Internet Services Restored

Days after violent protests, Assam government on Tuesday withdrew curfew from Guwahati. Broadband services have also been restored in the state parts. Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, the situation in the state is returning to normal. A high-level inquiry will be set up to probe the recent violence in the state.”

“136 cases have been registered in the state and 190 persons arrested for their alleged involvement in the violence during the protests,” Sharma added.
 
Assam has witnessed one of the worst violent protests by the public in its history with three rail stations, a post office, a bank, a bus terminus, shops, dozens of vehicles and many other public properties being set ablaze or damaged.

Five persons, including four in firing by security forces, have lost their lives since Wednesday.

After the Rajya Sabha passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday night, the state erupted in protests, in which agitators engaged in pitched battles with the police in almost every major city or town, forcing the administration to impose curfew.

On Sunday, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal appealed for peace, saying that his government was committed to protecting all genuine citizens after a wave of state-wide violent protests against the controversial Citizenship Act. 

"We are committed to protect all genuine citizens and the rights of people of Assam. I call upon all sections of the society to thwart the elements who are misleading the people of Assam on the Citizenship Act and indulging in violence and together continue the growth journey of Assam," Sonowal said in a video message posted on his Twitter handle.

The tweet from the Assamese chief minister also came amid reports that the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), a key ally of the ruling BJP in Assam, has decided to move the Supreme Court against the Citizenship Act.