Assam braces for CAA strike, police issued notice

Amidst escalating tensions over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has taken a stern stance against potential disruptions. Following Sarma's earlier warnings, Guwahati Police has issued a formal notice cautioning protestors against causing any financial or physical damages during demonstrations against CAA. The notice specifies that in case of any losses incurred, compensation will be sought from the protestors responsible.

The announcement of a 'complete strike' in Assam by opposition parties to protest against CAA has triggered concerns about potential disruptions and damages. The United Opposition Forum-Assam (UofA) comprising 16 parties has called for a state-wide strike, prompting the government to adopt stringent measures to maintain law and order. In light of past protests and violence following the introduction of CAA in 2019, security agencies are intensifying efforts to prevent any recurrence of unrest.

Guwahati Police's notice warns of legal repercussions under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, for any harm caused to public or private property during protests. The implementation of CAA by the Central Government on Monday has further fueled tensions, with the law granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries. The Home Ministry has introduced an online portal for citizenship applications, emphasizing that the law aims to provide refuge to religiously oppressed minorities without jeopardizing the citizenship of any individual.