Centre should address NE’s concern

Anti-CAB protests are raging in states like Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura. The situation has worsened in Assam, where, according to reports, three protestors have been killed so far in police firing. The people are defying curfew and protesting in large numbers. The Assam government had earlier extended the suspension of internet services in 10 districts for another 48 hours, and deployed Army personnel in four areas where clashes between protesters and police were witnessed. The residences of several politicians, including that of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and union minister Rameswar Teli, were also attacked by protesters.
In Shillong also, the protests have turned violent, forcing the authorities to impose curfew in certain areas. Strangely, even as the Northeast region is boiling, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Thursday morning that the people of Assam have nothing to worry about because “no one can take away your rights.” The irony is that the government has banned internet service but Modi is trying to send across messages to the people of Assam. With the protests intensifying in Assam, the impact is being felt across the region – more acutely in Arunachal Pradesh. Diesel, petrol and cooking gas are running out of stock. People are facing a harrowing time. There are fears that if the situation remains unchanged, essential items like food and medicines may also soon run out of stock. The government of India will have to listen to the grievances of the people of the Northeast region. It should immediately speak to the protestors and address their concern.