Anti-citizenship bill protests: Normal life affected in Assam

Life came to a grinding halt in Assam with a 12-hour shutdown called by 46 organisations to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

Various organisations including Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and Asom Jatiyatabasi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) called for the shutdown.

The agitators also disrupted traffic on the roads and railway tracks by putting up blockades. Tyres were burnt on roads at various places across the state.

Many shops and business establishment remained closed here, particularly in Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar.

The Assam police have detained several protesters including prAll Assam Development Board Mausam president Kumar Ujir and Kamrup district organisation secretary Manas Dutta in Beltola.

All District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been instructed by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP government to take effective measures to maintain decorum in the state.

The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

State Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said on Monday that the Gauhati High Court had ruled that 'bandh' or shutdown was an illegal act and so the statewide shutdown called by 46 organisations cannot be allowed as it would amount to contempt of court.