If You Don’t Want It, Go To North Korea: Meghalaya Governor Amid Citizenship Act Protests

Amid violent protests across northeast over the amended Citizenship Act, Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday triggered a fresh row by saying that those who don’t want "divisive democracy" should go to North Korea. The country is ruled by dictator Kim Jong-Un.

"Two things should never be lost sight of in the present atmosphere of controversy. 1. The country was once divided in the name of religion. 2. A democracy is NECESSARILY DIVISIVE. If you don't want it go to North Korea," the Governor wrote on Twitter.

On Friday, the anti-Citizenship Act protesters reached Raj Bhavan and tried to go past the security. However, the police fired tear-gas and lathi-charged on protesters, leaving many of them seriously injured. Two policemen were also said to be injured in the clashes.

The police action on people opposing the Citizenship Act came after the curfew in Shillong was relaxed for 12 hours, starting 10 am Friday morning. Mobile internet and SMS services have also been blocked across the state for two days after massive protests engulfed the state on Thursday.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to illegal non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, became act after getting President’s assent on Thursday. However, the controversial bill has triggered a wave of violent protests across the northeast with Assam being the worst hit.