GUWAHATI, Dec 13 - With the All Assam Students� Union (AASU) and its allies announcing that there would be no agitation after sunset, at least for a week, it would be easier for police and security agencies to segregate those who are agitating against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act from the hooligans.
Highly placed official sources told The Assam Tribune that orders have been issued to police and security forces to take action against the hooligans involved in destruction of public and private properties.
�Since Thursday, there were attempts by police and security forces to segregate the trouble-mongers from those involved in peaceful movements, and with the AASU and its allies deciding not to agitate in the evenings, the task of the security forces will now be easier and action would be taken against anyone seen on the road in groups after sunset,� sources said.
�Moreover, police and security forces would be using the available video footage to identify the hooligans,� the sources added.
The State government will review the overall situation on Saturday to decide on continuing the curfew imposed in Guwahati and some other towns of the State. �The government did not try to forcefully enforce the curfew, and in the last couple of days, strong action was taken only against hooligans. No one walking out to the street peacefully was affected,� sources said.
At the same time, no decision has yet been taken on withdrawal of the ban on mobile Internet services. Sources said that decision will also be taken on Saturday.
Sources admitted that shortage of essential items, including food, petroleum products, etc., has created several problems for citizens, while several hospitals, including the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), are facing shortage of essential items, even oxygen cylinders. The sources said a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary reviewed the situation and things would improve soon.
Sources admitted that the spurt in violence caught police and security forces off guard. �Everyone was apprehensive of agitations against the CAB (now CAA), but no one thought that the protests would take such a violent turn. Police maintained restraint in the face of violence and used force only when the situation went out of control,� sources added.
