Assam News

District administration relaxes curfew restrictions in Sonitpur; find details here

Sentinel Digital Desk

Guwahati: Following days of tensions after clashes among 2 communities in central Assam's Sonitpur district, the curfew restrictions have been partially lifted in areas under the Dhekiajuli area following a police report by the Superintendent of Police, Sonitpur.

Manvendra Pratap Singh, the District Magistrate of the district, in his order, stated that the curfew in Dhekiajuli police station has been withdrawn from 6 am to 6 pm. However, the curfew in the Thelamara Police Station area that was brought into effect via an order on August 5, shall continue until further orders.

The DC further added that the movement of people between 6 pm to 6 am shall be strictly prohibited.

"No movement of individuals shall be allowed on Saturday and Sunday at any time over the area of Dhekiajuli Police Station", Singh further wrote in his notification.

Only people with special permits shall be allowed to go about in public or leave their house within the limit of Dhekiajuli Police Station from 6 pm to 6 am.

This order shall come into force with immediate effect, the DC further added.

An indefinite curfew was clamped on Wednesday in areas under Thelamara and Dhekiajuli Police stations of Sonitpur district by the District Magistrate, Manavendra Pratap Singh in view of the grave law and order situation as some groups were trying to indulge in violence in the name of protest.

The situation the area turned for worse following a violent group clash earlier in the day which threatened to take on communal colors, an official source said.

On Friday, Army and paramilitary forces conducted flag march in different parts of Thelamara and Dhekiajuli Police Station areas. More than 50 army envoys took part in the flag march.

As per reports, tensions rose after supports of the Hindu nationalist organization 'Bajrang Dal' were reportedly attack by a mob.

The incident took place in Bhora Singori under Thelamara police station in Sonitpur district when the supporters took out a rally from a temple to celebrate the laying of the foundation stone to mark the construction of the proposed Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Local minority organizations argued that such celebrations (replete with loud music and slogans) should not be allowed during the coronavirus celebration.

Following this, there were clashes among the groups which resulted in a brawl which resulted in several persons being injured and bikes being set on fire.