Army stages flag March in Assam

GUWAHATI: Tension prevailed in various parts of Assam following Monday’s attack on the office of All Assam Students Union (Aasu) office by a group, which supports the grant of citizenship to Hindu Bengalis from Bangladesh.

On Monday, members of Nikhil Bharat Bengali Udbastu Samanvay Rakhi Samiti attacked an office of Aasu in Silaphatar, injuring three persons and destroying the furniture. They demanded Indian citizenship for Hindu Bengalis from Bangladesh.

The Army on Tuesday staged a flag march in Silaphatar. Student body Aasu, which spearheaded the six-year-long anti-foreigners movement (1979-1885), is opposed to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.

The Bill, which proposes to give citizenship to Hindu Bengali migrants is under the consideration of Joint Parliamentary Committee of both the Houses.

Aasu units in different areas in Assam staged protests and announced series of agitational programmes. Police has apprehended nine persons. President of Nikhil Bharat Bengali Udbastu Samanvay Rakhi Samiti Subodh Biswa is absconding.

Biswa, who hails from West Bengal is declared as wanted. Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal, who was a once an Aasu leader directed Additional Chief Secretary VB Pyarelal to inquire into the incident of attack and submit report within a month.

Terming the incident as unfortunate, Sonowal said some elements are making efforts to create rift among different communities of the state and they would not be allowed to succeed in their designs.