Assam: Anti-CAA protests on, thousands gather in Tinsukia again

Tinsukia: Thousands of protestors gathered at Chaliha Nagar field in Assam’s Tinsukia town to participate in an anti-CAA meeting on Thursday.

The meeting titled ‘Astitva Raksha Sangram Samavesh’ was organised by Asom Jatiyatavadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) and supported by various organisations.

Addressing the gathering the general secretary (central committee) of AJYCP Palash Changmai said that their protest was based on a two-point agenda — to save our existence, identity, language and culture; and save the democracy. “CAA divides the country on religious lines and it is against the spirit of the Preamble. It is unconstitutional and undemocratic and needs to be scrapped,” he added.

“In the context of Assam, the Bill is against the spirit of Assam Accord as it paves way for giving citizenship to people from various religion other than Muslims who have settled in Assam up to 2014. Assam is not a dumping ground for illegal immigrants and we will not accept such a draconian Act which is against the interest of Assam,” Changmai added.

Also Read: Which BJP-related files did NIA want from Akhil Gogoi residence?

The venue was filled with women holding placards saying “No C(A)A”.

Senior high court lawyer Arup Borbora, who was also present in the meeting, challenged chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal to hold a TV debate with him. He said he would prove how the Act is against the interest of people of Assam. “Tinsukia has been a face of mix-language communities including Marwaris, Biharis and Bengalis, among others. There have always been attempt made to keep communities divided but during CAA protests, all communities are standing together and have rejected the Act.”

The entire market in the upper Assam town closed ahead of the rally around 11 am and opened as late as 4 pm.

In another development, anti-CAA protestors in Chabua waved black flags and raised slogans against BJP state president Ranjit Dass who had come to visit Chabua MLA Binod Hazarika’s residence which was burnt down by protestors and held a meeting at a venue near Hazarika’s residence. “Protestors also waved black flags at the venue and the entire Chabua market closed down on the news of Dass’ visit,” sources claimed.