Banners, hoardings, huts — Assam dismantles arrangements for Modi-Abe meet that wasn’t

With India-Japan summit being postponed, the Guwahati administration is now dismantling what is left of the arrangements that were made for Modi-Abe meeting.

VIP huts meant for guests of the summit, now lay abandoned on the banks of the Brahmaputra river. | Photo: Snehesh Alex Philip | ThePrint

Guwahati: It was meant to be Assam’s biggest international event and the state government had got down to prepare accordingly — fresh paint job on flyovers, large hoardings, VIP huts to showcase Assamese culture and heritage, and a decorated ferry for a ride in the Brahmaputra.

The summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, however, stands postponed now, after protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act turned violent and brought Assam to a standstill.

The protesters specifically targeted the banners and other structures meant for the high profile meeting.

With the summit now called off, what is left now are burnt hoardings, partially painted flyovers and half-done banks of the Brahmaputra, which were to play host to the two leaders on 15 and 16 December.

A visit to the banks of Brahmaputra river near the old DC Bungalow showed that the arrangements made for the meeting were being dismantled. The administration had even laid carpets of fresh grass on the river banks to beautify the area.

“This area was looking so nice. I have never been abroad but I am sure it was more beautiful than Singapore a few days ago,” Dhiren, a taxi driver said, ruing the protest had led to cancellation of the summit.

Hoardings welcoming guests to the India-Japan summit. | Photo: Snehesh Alex Philip | ThePrint

The preparations

While no official announcement was made regarding the venue for the meeting, Guwahati was the chosen city to showcase the Modi government’s Act East Policy.

All roads that were to be taken by the leaders were repaired, flyovers given a fresh paint job and a cleanliness drive was initiated.

Several banners welcoming the two leaders were set up and small platforms were built along routes to showcase various facets of Northeast.

A large area on the banks of Brahmaputra river was also turned into a VIP one with special huts being made for the visiting dignitaries and their officials. These huts were meant to showcase Assamese culture and way of living.

A ferry, which the two leaders were to use for crossing the river, was also being spruced up.

There is, however, a silver lining. Even though the Ministry of External Affairs officials have not spoken about when the summit would be held next, sources indicated that the venue could be Guwahati once again.