Assam CM Announces Measures to Regulate Protests Following Raj Bhawan Incident

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has brought in new guidelines to regulate protests near Raj Bhawan in the state capital, Guwahati, following the recent protests.

The CM announced that protests near Raj Bhawan would not be allowed and instead, be redirected to designated zones during a press briefing after the weekly Cabinet meeting.

The decision comes after a protest on December 18, during which protesters allegedly tried to breach police barricades. Reacting to the incident, Sarma said Guwahati city police will probe into the incident. "Regarding yesterday's incident, the people or protestors who tried to dismantle police barricades, the city police will start a probe," the Chief Minister said.

The CM attributed the unrest to the Congress party, accusing them of instigating disturbances in Guwahati. He cited prior incidents in Khanapara before the Lok Sabha elections as part of a pattern of agitation. "In some way or the other, the Congress party is trying to create unrest in Guwahati. This is the third or fourth attempt," he said, questioning the party's motives.

This regulatory move is being positioned as a measure to maintain public safety and ensure law and order in sensitive areas, particularly around Raj Bhawan. The state government wants to balance safeguarding the democratic right to protest with minimizing disruptions in crucial parts of the city.

The initiative reflects growing concerns over escalating tensions during demonstrations, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace while accommodating public dissent in designated spaces.

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