GUWAHATI: Opposition to the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) gained momentum in Assam as demonstrators took to the streets in various cities and districts, demanding its repeal.
In Guwahati, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) commenced a 12-hour hunger strike at Dighalipukhuri starting from 6 am on Sunday.
Organised by the Kamrup District Unit Students’ Union, the hunger strike has garnered support from 30 organisations, amplifying the call for the abolition of the CAA.
Similar protests unfolded in Bilasipara, where demonstrators gathered in front of the Bilasipara sub-divisional AASU office for a 12-hour hunger strike against the discriminatory provisions of the CAA.
The agitators have issued stern warnings of mass self-immolation if the central and state governments fail to heed their demands.
In Golaghat, the Golaghat District Students’ Union, along with 30 ethnic organisations, initiated a 12-hour hunger strike near the district students’ union office, reiterating their demand for the repeal of the controversial act.
The protests against the CAA also resonated in Nalbari, where the demonstrated against the CAA through a hunger strike programme.
Leaders and activists of Nalbari District Students Union converged in front of Nalbari Natya Mandir to voice their dissent.
Meanwhile, in Sonari, the All Charaideo District Students Union staged a 12-hour hunger strike, highlighting the discriminatory nature of the CAA.
The students highlighted that their agitation will persist until the undemocratic law is scrapped.
These demonstrations come on the heels of an announcement earlier this month by student bodies, in collaboration with 30 tribal organisations, to conduct a series of protests opposing the Centre’s plan to enforce the CAA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Originally planned for March 9, the date of the hunger strike was postponed as a mark of deference to the request of the All Tai Ahom Students’ Union and the Tai Ahom Youth Council to commemorate the unveiling of the highest statue of Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat on Saturday.
As per the outlined schedule, AASU is will be leading the resistance with demonstrations across the state against Centre’s move to roll out the Act.
