GUWAHATI, Dec 12 - With the overall law-and-order situation in Guwahati and other parts of the State deteriorating, the police and security forces are trying to segregate those involved in peaceful movement from the trouble mongers. Meanwhile, additional forces are being brought into Assam to deal with the volatile situation.
Highly placed security sources told The Assam Tribune that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is also very much concerned over the law-and-order situation in the State and the Centre has already directed the State government to take effective steps to deal with the situation.
Sources said that though Army personnel carried out flag marches in some areas of the State, including parts of Guwahati city, it is felt that personnel of the Central paramilitary forces would be in a better position to deal with such situation, where mob attacks were rampant.
Sources said that the State government has sought additional forces from the Centre.
At least 20 companies of forces are reaching the State from North Bengal area tomorrow.
Sources admitted that the State administration was caught off guard when the movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill turned violent and unscrupulous elements took advantage of the charged situation to indulge in widespread violence and arson. Though the police and security forces are trying to identify those involved in violence, it may take a day or two to segregate the trouble mongers from those who were agitating peacefully. The police and security forces are also taking help of the TV footage to identify those involved in setting fire to vehicles and stone pelting. Security sources asserted that strong action would be taken against those involved in acts of violence.
As miscreants damaged the sign board of the Bangladesh High Commission Office in Guwahati yesterday, security of the office has been augmented.
Security in the residences of the BJP legislators and leaders has also been stepped up.
Meanwhile, the AASU is also of the view that the government should take strong action against those involved in acts of violence. �This morning police beat up people who came out to the Latasil playground to take part in peaceful protests. But the same police is not taking strong action against those involved in violence,� alleged AASU chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya.
Bhattacharya said that today a large number of people who gathered in Latashil playground advocated a peaceful and disciplined movement against the CAB. Those who are indulging in violence are trying to derail the peaceful movement and it is unfortunate that the government has not been able to bring the situation under control, he said.
