Guwahati: Normalcy is slowly returning to Guwahati, days after protests gripped the city over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act, leading to the deaths of two people in police firing.
However, several protests were still organised in various parts of the city, which are likely to intensify over the next few days, said residents.
A number of people ThePrint spoke to said that while night protests have been suspended for a week, it will continue during the day.
“Peaceful protest is our right. This protest is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. This protest is by the Assamese of all religions against the illegal immigrants,” a girl, leading a hunger strike at the Veterinary College, said.
The state of normalcy is in stark contrast to the two days of mayhem during which thousands of protesters descended onto the streets of Guwahati, clashing with police, vandalising government and private vehicles, blocking roads by burning tyres as well as damaging public property.
Internet services have been suspended in 10 districts of Assam, including Guwahati, beginning Wednesday, to prevent “misuse” of social media to disturb peace, and maintain law and order.
All hoardings, posters and platforms made for the now postponed Indo-Japan summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe were burnt by the protesters.
Talking about the security situation, Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta told ThePrint: “The situation is very much under control. We have inputs that some inimical elements will try to take advantage and create violence but we are prepared.”
He said the police have nothing against peaceful protests, but those indulging in violence will have to face the music.
All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which has been leading the protests, has distanced itself from violence, saying it is the handiwork of a “third party”.
The student outfit has also suspended their night protests, saying the way forward is holding peaceful protests continuously.
Assam opposes the Act because it wants all ‘illegal’ immigrants to be kept out of their state (irrespective of religion).
On Sunday, popular singer Zubeen Garg, an Assam native, is going to lead a ‘musical protest’, where lot of other artistes are expected to come.
Night protests suspended
Shops and petrol pumps, which remained shut in the last two days, opened Saturday. While many petrol pumps ran out of fuel, those that could supply fuel saw long queues.
Almost all shops, including car showrooms, were opened until 4 pm after which curfew was imposed. While shops were shut during the curfew, vehicles kept plying.
Throughout the day, the roads were buzzing with people, who came out to buy and stock essential items for the next few days.
While the streets still bore signs of violence, the civil administration has cleared burnt tyres, damaged vehicles from several areas.
Also read: Assam govt employees to cease work on 18 December in protest against citizenship law
No harm in allowing peaceful protests by students in Delhi as well. Their presence seems to enrage the police.