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Ready to tackle any tension: Assam Police

By: Syeda Ambia Zahan

GUWAHATI: Assam Police has said it was fully prepared to tackle any unrest in the state, following tabling of the Citizenship Amendment Bill ( CAB ) in the winter session of Parliament, which starts on Monday. The bill is supposed to be tabled within the first two days of the session.

Hemanta Kumar Das, deputy commissioner of police (admin), said, "In Guwahati city, we have sufficient forces to avert any untoward incident during any protest. As of now, we are planning to arrange the security from the existing capacity. If needed, we will seek for more forces, but we are fully prepared to keep the situation under control."

Student bodies - All Assam Students' Union and All Assam Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) - have taken to the streets against the bill, and announced that it would intensify protests once the winter session starts. Not only Assam, other northeastern states will also see mass protests under the banner of North-East Students' Organization (NSEO), an apex body of student organisations of Northeast India.

Dilip Kumar Dey, deputy inspector general of police (DIGP), central range in Assam, said, "There is no threat as of now. But we are prepared for any eventuality. We would mobilise reserve forces if situation demands."

In Nagaon and Hojai districts, peasant organisation Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiitee (KMSS), led by rights activist Akhil Gogoi, has been staging a series of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill since January this year.

"We will unite and strengthen the movement against the bill. Accepting the bill at any cost is out of question." said Akhil Gogoi.

KMSS also will also stage a protest at all district headquarters in the state on Monday.

The districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Digboi in eastern Assam are also prepared for any untoward situation, said Prashanta Kumar Bhuyan, DIGP, Northeastern Range, in Tinsukia.

"So far, the CAB has not become a security issue. If the situation on the ground demands so, we will deploy additional forces. But I do not see the situation getting out of control," said Bhuyan.

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