Investment outlook hit due to violent protests in Assam:

The Assam government on Wednesday said the positive investment outlook in the state was hit due to violent protests against the new citizenship law.

Addressing a press conference, Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said the state has received investment commitment to the tune of Rs 58,000 crore since the BJP-led government came to power in 2016.

"The biggest loss is the investment outlook. Just two days before the violence broke out, a Norway-based company had talked with us to invest Rs 2,000 crore in Assam. Following the outbreak of protests, they called and asked whether it is safe to invest," he said.

There were investment proposals from companies from four more countries, Patowary said.

Asked about the Norway-based company's decision, he said, "We requested them to invest as there is no issue."
Asked about steps taken by the government to pacify the agitators, Patowary said, "We have respect for all those protesting peacefully and democratically. We will ask them for talks if necessary... We cannot repeal the Act."