Strong action against those involved in violence: Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sowal on Friday blamed opposition Congress and "communal forces" for widespread violence in state over last two days, saying strong action will be taken against those involved in arson and vandalism during anti-citizenship bill protests. Sowal also said violence was part of a political conspiracy against BJP-led government in Assam and asserted that he was committed to protecting rights of indigeus people of state.

" Congress and some communal forces are behind violence. Even some ultra Left have joined mob. It is a political conspiracy," he told PTI.

chief minister said government will t tolerate any violence and strong action will be taken against anyone who is involved in vandalism.

" one, who is involved in violence, will be spared," he said.

chief minister's comments came after two days of continuous violence by a section of protesters in state against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, which was approved by Parliament on Wednesday and got presidential assent Thursday night. Frenzied mobs blocked roads in different parts of Assam with burning discarded tyres and menaced commuters by bludgeoning ir vehicles with sticks and stones. Two railway stations were torched while houses of several legislators, including private residence of Sowal, were attacked by mobs.

"I am committed to protecting rights of indigeus people and want to assure that interests of indigeus people will t be harmed," he said.

chief minister said his government has problem with n-violent democratic processes but those indulging in vandalism, taking advant of protests, will be dealt with sternly.

"Some people are trying to spread wrong information to mislead people and aggravate situation. I appeal to everyone t to do anything that will disturb peace," he said.

Sowal also asked people of state t to worry about amended Citizenship Act, saying traditional culture, langu, political and land rights will be protected by implementing Clause 6 of Assam Accord. He said a committee has been constituted under chairmanship of Justice Biplab Sarmah (retd), who has been given task of preparing recommendations for ensuring constitutional safeguards to people of Assam. central government has categorically stated that recommendations of Clause 6 committee will be fully implemented, chief minister said.

Two persons were killed on Thursday in police firing in Assam to quell protests against contentious Act, with thousands descending on streets defying curfew. Several towns and cities were placed under indefinite curfew, including Guwahati, epicentre of protests, besides Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli. Night curfew was imposed in Jorhat, Golaghat, Tinsukia and Charaideo districts, officials said.