Anti-Citizenship Act protests: 100 people arrested, 2,000 detained, says Assam government

The death toll rose to five on Sunday with two more persons succumbing to their injuries sustained in police firing.

Assamese actor Barsa Rani Baishya and protestors in a rally against Citizenship Amendment Act, at AEI playground in Guwahati, Sunday, December 15, 2019.

The Assam government on Sunday said 100 people had been arrested and 2,000 detained in the State for arson and other acts of violence during the protest against the amended Citizenship Act that left at least six dead.

Curfew was relaxed in the districts of the Brahmaputra Valley and in Meghalaya’s capital Shillong.

‘Under control’

During the day, officials said the situation was under control. Curfew would continue from dusk to dawn as would the suspension of mobile Internet and data services till Monday evening.

“We have so far arrested 100 people and detained 2,000 more for involvement in violence [during December 12 and 13]. Videos are being analysed to get to the others,” Director-General of Police, Assam, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said.

One person died of bullet wounds at the Guwahati Medical College Hospital. Three others have died in police firing and baton-charge in Guwahati and Dibrugarh. During the protests, one person each was burnt alive by mobs in Tinsukia and Darrang districts.

The day saw the Asom Gana Parishad, the ruling partner of the BJP, undergoing a “change of mind” after supporting the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

“We have, after studying the Act and the situation in Assam, decided to challenge the Act in court,” party leader Ramendra Narayan Kalita said.