Curfew relaxed as Assam moves on normalcy track improving situation

Guwahati, December 14: After all the chaos and massive protest seen in the Northeastern state of Assam due to Citizenship Amendment Act, the curfew imposed in Guwahati was lifted up after seven hours since 9 a.m. on Saturday. The situation has however improved in Assam although the train services continue to be affected. In Dibrugarh municipal area, the curfew was relaxed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. With prohibitory orders relaxed till 4 p.m., shops and markets opened in the capital city and some vehicles were seen plying on the roads.

 

Guwahati joint commissioner of police Debraj Upadhyay speaking to the media said that the situation is improving. The curfew has been withdrawn up to 4 p.m. As normalcy returns gradually, the schools continue to remain shut. He said forces have been strategically deployed throughout the Commissionerate for maintenance of law and order.

The officer informed that a number of people have been arrested in different police stations, but could not give the exact figure. People lined up before shops selling essentials like food items and a large number of cars were seen outside petrol pumps for refuelling. Pertaining to the situation of the trains, it has been informed that the local passenger trains were not running. Long distance trains to Dibrugarh and Tinsukia are being short terminated in Guwahati. However, Long distance trains to Agartala and Silchar are plying.

Meanwhile, authorities have rolled out measures to help the hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport, railways stations and inter-state bus terminals due to the protests which have led to suspension of flight, train and public road transport services. The NFR has decided to run a special train from Guwahati to Dimapur at 2.30 p.m. for the stranded passengers. Special buses are also being run to ferry those stranded in Guwahati to various parts of the city, an official said.