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'Will not tolerate violence': Assam CM warns protesters against committing vandalism

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 12/14/2019 12:49:09 PM

Dispur , Dec 13 Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday warned of taking strong action against those involved in arson and violence in the state, saying vandalism has no place in any democratic process. Sonowal also asserted that he was committed to protecting the rights of the indigenous people of the state and urged parents of students to persuade them not to join any agitation which turns violent. "We will not tolerate any violence. Strong action will be taken against anyone who is involved in vandalism," he told media. The chief minister's comments came after two days of continuous violence by a section of protesters in the state against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was approved by Parliament on Wednesday and got Presidential assent on Thursday night. Frenzied mobs blocked roads in different parts of Assam with burning discarded tyres and menaced commuters by bludgeoning their vehicles with sticks and stones. Two railway stations were torched while houses of several legislators, including the private residence of Sonowal, were attacked by mobs. "I am committed to protecting the rights of the indigenous people and want to assure that interests of the indigenous people will not be harmed," he said. The chief minister said his government has no problem with non-violent democratic process but those indulging in vandalism, taking advantage of the protests, will be dealt with sternly.