Protestors gather in large numbers in several places of Assam

Protesters came out in large numbers across Assam on Tuesday demanding repeal of the amended Citizenship Act and condemning Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "ridiculing" the agitators with his comment that protesters could be identified by the clothes they were wearing.

Women, youths and senior citizens joined protest marches organised as part of 'Mass Satyagrah' by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) at several places, even as the situation remained largely peaceful.

"We warn the government not to play with the sentiments of people who have come out on the roads.

"The prime minister says that he respects non-violent protesters, but the government here is trying to dominate and suppress us," AASU chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya said.

Addressing a huge gathering at the Latasil playground here, he said that the Assam government had thought that the protests would die down within 2-3 days and everything would settle down.

"They are wrong because unless the Citizenship (Amendment) Act is repealed, we will not settle. Do not insult us everytime.

"Do not blame us later because the agitation will be more intense in the coming days," Bhattacharya said.

AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi criticised the prime minister for his comment that protesters could be identified by the "clothes they are wearing".

"It is unfortunate the the PM cannot accept our dress and ridiculed us. We strongly condemn this.

"We will assemble everyday wearing our traditional dress," he asserted.

The prime minister had said at an election rally in Dumka on Sunday, "People who are setting fire (to property) can be seen on TV... They can be identified by the clothes they are wearing."