Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77&nbsp;per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.&nbsp;

The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while&nbsp;Chhattisgarh&nbsp;has recorded at 13.09&nbsp;per cent at 10&nbsp;am, according to data provided by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting.&nbsp;

In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10&nbsp;per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35&nbsp;per cent voting till 9 am.

Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60&nbsp;per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86&nbsp;per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85&nbsp;per cent, Maharashtra 6.60&nbsp;per cent and Puducherry 7.48&nbsp;per cent.

The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat).&nbsp;

Assam - 11.80% 
Bihar&nbsp;- 10.10% 
J&amp;K - 5.86% 
Karnataka - 7.60% 
Maharashtra - 6.60% 
Manipur - 16.60% 
Odisha - 6.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 6.85% 
Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% 
West Bengal - 16.77% 
Chhattisharh - 13.09% 
Puducherry - 7.48%

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise. The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while Chhattisgarh has recorded at 13.09 per cent at 10 am, according to data provided by the Election Commission. In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting. In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10 per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35 per cent voting till 9 am. Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86 per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85 per cent, Maharashtra 6.60 per cent and Puducherry 7.48 per cent. The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat). Assam - 11.80% Bihar - 10.10% J&K - 5.86% Karnataka - 7.60% Maharashtra - 6.60% Manipur - 16.60% Odisha - 6.75% Tamil Nadu - 6.85% Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% West Bengal - 16.77% Chhattisharh - 13.09% Puducherry - 7.48%

Lok Sabha polls 2019: West Bengal leads in voter turnout 3 hours after polling began

Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Also know which states goes to polls to day.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

2nd Phase of voting in India's General elections today

Voters, politicians & celebrities queue up to vote in second phase

A unique story of patriotism & dedication came into light from Assam’s Karimganj. A 116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019. Mahmud Ali never misses a chance to vote and even encourages his family to use their ‘right’ properly.

116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday.&nbsp;

Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.&nbsp;

She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri.&nbsp;

“When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee.&nbsp;

She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?”&nbsp;

Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill.&nbsp;

“Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said.&nbsp;

The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates.&nbsp;

The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone.

Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kickstarted Lok Sabha poll campaign in Assam on Friday. Banerjee, accompanied by cabinet ministers Firhad Hakim and Rabindranath Ghosh addressed a public meeting at Assam’s Dhubri - a minority dominated zone. She raised the National Register of Citizen (NRC) issue during her speech in Dhubri. “When 40 lakh people’s names did not find mention on the NRC list. We were the most concerned. We were deeply pained. My party leaders delegation Mohua Mitra, Mamata Bala Thakur, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Firhad Hakim were stopped at Silchar. They even tried to stop me by lodging an FIR against me. But I dare you, stop me if you can. This party (BJP) is only creating a rift between Hindus and Muslims. They are inhuman to keep children in detention camps.,” said Banerjee. She further claimed that an Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was named by one of the accused of chit fund scam, “You have a minister here, Himanta Biswa Sarma. See, I have this document where the accused of the chit fund scam claims that Himanta took money from him. Why hasn’t the BJP government taken action against him? They only shout Narada-Saradha, but I want to ask them what action have they taken against him?” Banerjee attacked the Central government for the introducing Citizenship Amendment Bill. “Citizenship Amendment Bill is another conspiracy of the BJP. Who are they to give us citizenship when we are already citizens of this nation. What’s wrong in Assamese staying in Bengal? Rajasthanis staying in other states? Where is the problem? Some people are trying to give you lollipops. Don’t be fooled by these lollipops,” she said. The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in nine Lok Sabha seats in Assam and Banerjee will campaign for all the nine candidates. The West Bengal chief minister will address the second public meeting at Naxalbari in North Bengal, part of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mamata attacks BJP over NRC as she kickstarts poll campaign in Assam 

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia.

Pradhan also slammed the erstwhile Congress government, both at Centre and state, for "not doing" anything for developing the North East despite Assam electing the UPA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for two terms.

"All petroleum products from the North East to Bangladesh, Bhutan and other Southeast Asian countries will go via Assam. We will make Assam a centre of world oil trading in this region," the Union Petroleum minister said.

Pradhan dedicated a number of completed projects, worth Rs 1,524 crore, to the nation.

Pradhan also announced the commencement of work of the KD Malaviya National Oil Museum at Guwahati, to be set up at an investment of Rs 104 crore over the next five-and-a-half years.

The museum will showcase the rich history and heritage of the petroleum industry in India.

It will have five galleries and a 3D theatre among others.

"Assam was always neglected in earlier years. It lagged behind during the earlier government's time. They were only giving lectures but worked less. Manmohan Singh, who was elected from Assam, had planned the ONGC's hospital, but he left it there only and did nothing," Pradhan alleged.

He claimed that initiatives were taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite the work of the Rs 316 crore 300-bed hospital, the first phase of which was opened with 50 beds.

To fulfil the targets of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, all PSU oil firms such as ONGC, IOC, BPCL, NRL, OIL and GAIL are making huge investments in the region.

"In Bongaigaon refinery, we have invested Rs 2,500 crore. When we will make BS-VI norm, then there will be an additional investment of Rs 1,200 crore. For the bamboo-ethanol fuel project, Rs 1,259 crore is being invested," Pradhan said.

In addition, Rs 9,225 crore is being invested for the 1,650 km gas grid project by the PSU firms, connecting all the eight Northeastern states, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, ONGC Chairman and MD Shashi Shanker said the company will invest Rs 1,300 crore in Assam in the next five years, 30 per cent more than what the oil giant had invested in the last five years.

"For the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, major development and revamp is going in Assam. It will incur an investment of Rs 2,350 crore. Further, projects worth Rs 800 crore are at different stages of implementation," he added.&nbsp;

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia.

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday rolled out a slew of projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore across Assam and said the Centre plans to make the state a hub of oil trade in Southeast Asia. Pradhan also slammed the erstwhile Congress government, both at Centre and state, for "not doing" anything for developing the North East despite Assam electing the UPA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for two terms. "All petroleum products from the North East to Bangladesh, Bhutan and other Southeast Asian countries will go via Assam. We will make Assam a centre of world oil trading in this region," the Union Petroleum minister said. Pradhan dedicated a number of completed projects, worth Rs 1,524 crore, to the nation. Pradhan also announced the commencement of work of the KD Malaviya National Oil Museum at Guwahati, to be set up at an investment of Rs 104 crore over the next five-and-a-half years. The museum will showcase the rich history and heritage of the petroleum industry in India. It will have five galleries and a 3D theatre among others. "Assam was always neglected in earlier years. It lagged behind during the earlier government's time. They were only giving lectures but worked less. Manmohan Singh, who was elected from Assam, had planned the ONGC's hospital, but he left it there only and did nothing," Pradhan alleged. He claimed that initiatives were taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to expedite the work of the Rs 316 crore 300-bed hospital, the first phase of which was opened with 50 beds. To fulfil the targets of the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, all PSU oil firms such as ONGC, IOC, BPCL, NRL, OIL and GAIL are making huge investments in the region. "In Bongaigaon refinery, we have invested Rs 2,500 crore. When we will make BS-VI norm, then there will be an additional investment of Rs 1,200 crore. For the bamboo-ethanol fuel project, Rs 1,259 crore is being invested," Pradhan said. In addition, Rs 9,225 crore is being invested for the 1,650 km gas grid project by the PSU firms, connecting all the eight Northeastern states, he added. Speaking on the occasion, ONGC Chairman and MD Shashi Shanker said the company will invest Rs 1,300 crore in Assam in the next five years, 30 per cent more than what the oil giant had invested in the last five years. "For the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030, major development and revamp is going in Assam. It will incur an investment of Rs 2,350 crore. Further, projects worth Rs 800 crore are at different stages of implementation," he added.

Assam: Dharmendra Pradhan rolls out slew of projects worth over 1,524 crore

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130.

The deaths in Assam state came less than two weeks after tainted liquor killed about 100 people in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-hooch-tragedy-rises-to-70-in-uttrakhand-uttar-pradesh-196229"> Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand</a>.

In addition to the latest toll, at least 200 more people were still hospitalised across Assam.

"The death toll has reached 133 in Golaghat and Jorhat districts from the hooch tragedy," Mukesh Agarwala, additional director general of state police, told AFP on Sunday.

"A total of ten people have been arrested. We have sent the samples of the liquor... to a forensic laboratory. The report is awaited," he added.

Police said people started falling sick after consuming a batch of illegally produced liquor late Thursday.

The victims, who include many women, worked at local tea estates in the region.&nbsp;

Doctors said those rushed to hospital in a critical condition were suffering from severe vomiting, extreme chest pain and breathlessness.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the deaths.

Apart from the arrests, two excise department officials were suspended for failing to take adequate precautions over the sale of the alcohol.

Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed those responsible for the tainted booze would be brought to justice.

Cheap, locally made liquor is common in parts of rural India and bootleggers often add methanol -- a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze -- to their product to increase its strength.&nbsp;

If ingested in large quantities, methanol can cause blindness, liver damage and death.

Hundreds of mainly poor people die each year in the South Asian country from tainted liquor, which normally costs just a few US cents a bottle.

Of the estimated five billion litres of alcohol drunk every year in India, around 40 per cent is illegally produced, according to the International Spirits and Wine Association of India.

Many Indian states have implemented or pushed for prohibition, which, according to critics, further increases the unsupervised manufacture and sale of alcohol.&nbsp;

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130.

At least 35 more workers have died in Asam after drinking toxic liquor, police said Sunday, taking the death toll from the latest mass alcohol poisoning beyond 130. The deaths in Assam state came less than two weeks after tainted liquor killed about 100 people in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In addition to the latest toll, at least 200 more people were still hospitalised across Assam. "The death toll has reached 133 in Golaghat and Jorhat districts from the hooch tragedy," Mukesh Agarwala, additional director general of state police, told AFP on Sunday. "A total of ten people have been arrested. We have sent the samples of the liquor... to a forensic laboratory. The report is awaited," he added. Police said people started falling sick after consuming a batch of illegally produced liquor late Thursday. The victims, who include many women, worked at local tea estates in the region. Doctors said those rushed to hospital in a critical condition were suffering from severe vomiting, extreme chest pain and breathlessness. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the deaths. Apart from the arrests, two excise department officials were suspended for failing to take adequate precautions over the sale of the alcohol. Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed those responsible for the tainted booze would be brought to justice. Cheap, locally made liquor is common in parts of rural India and bootleggers often add methanol -- a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze -- to their product to increase its strength. If ingested in large quantities, methanol can cause blindness, liver damage and death. Hundreds of mainly poor people die each year in the South Asian country from tainted liquor, which normally costs just a few US cents a bottle. Of the estimated five billion litres of alcohol drunk every year in India, around 40 per cent is illegally produced, according to the International Spirits and Wine Association of India. Many Indian states have implemented or pushed for prohibition, which, according to critics, further increases the unsupervised manufacture and sale of alcohol.

Death toll jumps to 133 in Assam hooch tragedy

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department.

The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals.

Golaghat DSP Parthopratim Saikia said, "As many as 40 people are being treated in hospitals in Golaghat and Jorhat. Police have launched a massive crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution for illicit liquor in the area."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the deaths in a Facebook post saying, "I am saddened by the incident which occurred in Assam`s Golaghat area. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I hope that those undergoing treatments get well soon."

The deaths come less than two weeks after more than 70 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from consuming illegally produced local alcohol.&nbsp;

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department. The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals.

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department. The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals. Golaghat DSP Parthopratim Saikia said, "As many as 40 people are being treated in hospitals in Golaghat and Jorhat. Police have launched a massive crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution for illicit liquor in the area." Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the deaths in a Facebook post saying, "I am saddened by the incident which occurred in Assam`s Golaghat area. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I hope that those undergoing treatments get well soon." The deaths come less than two weeks after more than 70 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from consuming illegally produced local alcohol.

Hooch tragedy: Over 60 dead after consuming spurious liquor in Assam

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that 938 persons are at present detained in six detention centres in Assam out of which 823 have been declared as foreigners by tribunals.

The Centre was responding to the January 28 queries of the apex court which had asked the Centre and the state to provide the details of the functional detention centres in Assam and the foreigners detained there during the last 10 years.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that both the Centre and the state have filed their affidavits giving in details the information sought by the apex

The Centre said Over 27,000 foreigners have pushed back at border points while attempting to enter India illegally.

Solicitor General told the bench, also comprising Justice L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, that the Centre has allotted Rs 47 crores and Assam has provided land for building new detention centre with various facilities that will also cover the issues of human rights.

He said a new detention centre will be ready by August 31.

The hearing will continue after lunch.&nbsp;

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that 938 persons are at present detained in six detention centres in Assam out of which 823 have been declared as foreigners by tribunals.

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that 938 persons are at present detained in six detention centres in Assam out of which 823 have been declared as foreigners by tribunals. The Centre was responding to the January 28 queries of the apex court which had asked the Centre and the state to provide the details of the functional detention centres in Assam and the foreigners detained there during the last 10 years. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was told by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that both the Centre and the state have filed their affidavits giving in details the information sought by the apex The Centre said Over 27,000 foreigners have pushed back at border points while attempting to enter India illegally. Solicitor General told the bench, also comprising Justice L N Rao and Sanjiv Khanna, that the Centre has allotted Rs 47 crores and Assam has provided land for building new detention centre with various facilities that will also cover the issues of human rights. He said a new detention centre will be ready by August 31. The hearing will continue after lunch.

938 persons detained in six centres in Assam, 823 declared as foreigners, Centre tells Supreme Court

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said.

According to the Superintendent of Railway Police Hemanta Kumar Das, the three Rohingyas spotted and apprehended by the GRP personnel in the afternoon, were being interrogated at present.

The three have been identified as Samshu Alam (51), Shamsu Alam (32) and Shabir Ahmed (64), Das said.

On January 21, 30 Rohingya Muslims, including 12 children, were apprehended along the Tripura-Assam border.

Five members of a Rohingya family were deported to Myanmar on January 3, exactly three months after seven others were handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country.

On October 3 last year, seven Myanmar nationals, who were in detention in Cachar Central Jail in Silchar, were deported from Assam.&nbsp;

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said. According to the Superintendent of Railway Police Hemanta Kumar Das, the three Rohingyas spotted and apprehended by the GRP personnel in the afternoon, were being interrogated at present. The three have been identified as Samshu Alam (51), Shamsu Alam (32) and Shabir Ahmed (64), Das said. On January 21, 30 Rohingya Muslims, including 12 children, were apprehended along the Tripura-Assam border. Five members of a Rohingya family were deported to Myanmar on January 3, exactly three months after seven others were handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country. On October 3 last year, seven Myanmar nationals, who were in detention in Cachar Central Jail in Silchar, were deported from Assam.

Three Rohingyas arrested from Lumding railway station in Assam

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states.

Prime Minister Modi, who addressed three mega-public-meetings in Guwahati, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura after inaugurating a number of development projects and laying the foundation for many others in three states, slammed the previous regime at the Centre for ignoring the development of the northeast region.

At Agartala, he said, “Workers in the unorganised sector were merely used by the previous governments for their vote bank politics. We introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme which will provide an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the age of 60 years to the workers.”

“All the partners of the 'Mahamilawatwalas’ (opposition parties) have learned that the youth of the country, the poor of the country, the farmers of the country have their own ambitions. The job of the ‘Mahamilawatwalas’ is only to heap abuses and more abuses on me. It is as if an Olympic game is on to deride Modi,” he said.

The BJP had won eight Lok Sabha seats from the region during the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014 out of which seven were from Assam, and one from Arunachal Pradesh—Kiren Rijiju, who is Union Minister of State for Home Affairs.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah has set the target of winning 21 seats out of 25 in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the region—Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland.

In a bid to woo the tribal community of Tripura, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said that his government has not only taken steps to strengthen the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) but would further ensure its self-reliance and adequate staff strength.

“Our government at the Centre has taken a step forward to fulfill the long-pending demand of strengthening the autonomous council (TTAADC). With the amendment in the law, we not only wish to make the council self-dependent but also want to increase the number of officers in the council,” he said after inaugurating Garjee-Belonia railway line.

Talking about development projects in the state, he said, “For the first time in Tripura, paddy was procured as per the minimum support price (MSP). Besides this, the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission were also implemented.”

He said the infrastructure projects inaugurated on Saturday in the state were a reflection of the HIRA model.

“I talked about the HIRA—Highway, I-way, Railway, Airway—model when I visited the state last time during the Assembly elections. All the infrastructure projects inaugurated today are a reflection of the HIRA model.”

In Guwahati, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-is-committed-to-implementing-assam-accord-pm-modi-196215">he promised to implement not only the Assam Accord</a>, which seeks identification and deportation of illegal migrants, but also to ensure the state becomes a hub of oil and natural gas.

Prime Minister Modi, who was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the north-east gas grid, said, “Thirty-six years have passed but the Assam Accord has not been implemented yet and only Modi-led government would fulfill this task.”

Reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure all-round development of northeast region (NER), he said, “Today is a new chapter in the history of the northeast and the fast-paced development of this region has been a top priority for my government.”

“Assam is on the path to progress. Our dedication to the northeast has been proven in the interim budget as allocation to the northeast region has been increased by more than 21 per cent,” he said, assuring the people to protect their culture, resources, and languages.

On the Citizenship Bill, PM Modi urged the people not be carried away by the rumours. He urged the political parties to stop playing with the emotions of the people of Assam for political gain and vote bank.&nbsp;

“Assam will not be harmed through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,” he said.

“We have inked Chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border,” he said, adding that his party was committed to freeing the country from infiltrators.&nbsp;

“The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was not being implemented earlier. Now our government is working under the supervision of the Supreme Court to implement the NRC,” he said.

The Assam Accord, a memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Central government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. The core point of the accord was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam, for which the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) had been protesting since 1979.

Prime Minister also inaugurated Hollong modular gas processing plant in Tinsukia which will deliver 15 per cent of the total gas produced in Assam. He also inaugurated LPG capacity augmentation of mounted storage vessel in north Guwahati.

The foundation stone of NRL biorefinery at Numaligarh and a 729-km gas pipeline from Barauni-Guwahati passing through Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam was also laid by Prime Minister Modi on this occasion.

He said, “Numaligarh will be the largest among 12 biorefineries to be built across India. These facilities will transform Assam into oil and natural gas hub and boost India’s economy.”&nbsp;

“In the last four-and-half years, projects worth Rs 14,000 crore have been completed in the oil and gas sector alone in Assam,” he said.

He also laid the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution Networks in Kamrup, Cacher, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts. He said, “In 2014 there were around 25 lakh PNG connections which have now touched the mark of 46 lakh in just four years. The number of CNG refueling stations also increased from 950 to 1,500 during this period.”

In Itanagar, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Greenfield Airport and Sela Tunnel. He also launched DD Arun Prabha Channel and unveiled several other development projects in the state from IG Park, Itanagar. Modi also inspected Loin Loom operations there.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Arunachal is the land of rising sun. It is the confidence of the country. Today I got an opportunity to unveil projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore. Additional projects worth Rs 13,000 crore are in progress in the state.”

Criticising the previous regime for neglecting the region, Prime Minister Modi said, “Previous government neglected Arunachal Pradesh. We are here to change that. New India can only be built when north-east India is developed. Development is for uniting the regions and people.”&nbsp;

“Our government has allocated Rs 44,000 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, which is double of the amount provided by the previous governments.”&nbsp;

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states.

With an eye on 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake in the northeast region with 14 seats in Assam alone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday not only reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problem of illegal migrants, but also showcased how his four and a half years’ rule at the Centre has accelerated the pace of development across all the eight states. Prime Minister Modi, who addressed three mega-public-meetings in Guwahati, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura after inaugurating a number of development projects and laying the foundation for many others in three states, slammed the previous regime at the Centre for ignoring the development of the northeast region. At Agartala, he said, “Workers in the unorganised sector were merely used by the previous governments for their vote bank politics. We introduced Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan scheme which will provide an assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 from the age of 60 years to the workers.” “All the partners of the 'Mahamilawatwalas’ (opposition parties) have learned that the youth of the country, the poor of the country, the farmers of the country have their own ambitions. The job of the ‘Mahamilawatwalas’ is only to heap abuses and more abuses on me. It is as if an Olympic game is on to deride Modi,” he said. The BJP had won eight Lok Sabha seats from the region during the last Lok Sabha polls in 2014 out of which seven were from Assam, and one from Arunachal Pradesh—Kiren Rijiju, who is Union Minister of State for Home Affairs. BJP president Amit Shah has set the target of winning 21 seats out of 25 in the coming Lok Sabha polls in the region—Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Nagaland. In a bid to woo the tribal community of Tripura, Prime Minister Modi on Saturday said that his government has not only taken steps to strengthen the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) but would further ensure its self-reliance and adequate staff strength. “Our government at the Centre has taken a step forward to fulfill the long-pending demand of strengthening the autonomous council (TTAADC). With the amendment in the law, we not only wish to make the council self-dependent but also want to increase the number of officers in the council,” he said after inaugurating Garjee-Belonia railway line. Talking about development projects in the state, he said, “For the first time in Tripura, paddy was procured as per the minimum support price (MSP). Besides this, the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission were also implemented.” He said the infrastructure projects inaugurated on Saturday in the state were a reflection of the HIRA model. “I talked about the HIRA—Highway, I-way, Railway, Airway—model when I visited the state last time during the Assembly elections. All the infrastructure projects inaugurated today are a reflection of the HIRA model.” In Guwahati, he promised to implement not only the Assam Accord, which seeks identification and deportation of illegal migrants, but also to ensure the state becomes a hub of oil and natural gas. Prime Minister Modi, who was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the north-east gas grid, said, “Thirty-six years have passed but the Assam Accord has not been implemented yet and only Modi-led government would fulfill this task.” Reiterating his government’s resolve to ensure all-round development of northeast region (NER), he said, “Today is a new chapter in the history of the northeast and the fast-paced development of this region has been a top priority for my government.” “Assam is on the path to progress. Our dedication to the northeast has been proven in the interim budget as allocation to the northeast region has been increased by more than 21 per cent,” he said, assuring the people to protect their culture, resources, and languages. On the Citizenship Bill, PM Modi urged the people not be carried away by the rumours. He urged the political parties to stop playing with the emotions of the people of Assam for political gain and vote bank. “Assam will not be harmed through the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill,” he said. “We have inked Chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border,” he said, adding that his party was committed to freeing the country from infiltrators. “The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was not being implemented earlier. Now our government is working under the supervision of the Supreme Court to implement the NRC,” he said. The Assam Accord, a memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Central government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. The core point of the accord was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam, for which the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) had been protesting since 1979. Prime Minister also inaugurated Hollong modular gas processing plant in Tinsukia which will deliver 15 per cent of the total gas produced in Assam. He also inaugurated LPG capacity augmentation of mounted storage vessel in north Guwahati. The foundation stone of NRL biorefinery at Numaligarh and a 729-km gas pipeline from Barauni-Guwahati passing through Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam was also laid by Prime Minister Modi on this occasion. He said, “Numaligarh will be the largest among 12 biorefineries to be built across India. These facilities will transform Assam into oil and natural gas hub and boost India’s economy.” “In the last four-and-half years, projects worth Rs 14,000 crore have been completed in the oil and gas sector alone in Assam,” he said. He also laid the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution Networks in Kamrup, Cacher, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts. He said, “In 2014 there were around 25 lakh PNG connections which have now touched the mark of 46 lakh in just four years. The number of CNG refueling stations also increased from 950 to 1,500 during this period.” In Itanagar, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for Greenfield Airport and Sela Tunnel. He also launched DD Arun Prabha Channel and unveiled several other development projects in the state from IG Park, Itanagar. Modi also inspected Loin Loom operations there. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Arunachal is the land of rising sun. It is the confidence of the country. Today I got an opportunity to unveil projects worth more than Rs 4,000 crore. Additional projects worth Rs 13,000 crore are in progress in the state.” Criticising the previous regime for neglecting the region, Prime Minister Modi said, “Previous government neglected Arunachal Pradesh. We are here to change that. New India can only be built when north-east India is developed. Development is for uniting the regions and people.” “Our government has allocated Rs 44,000 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, which is double of the amount provided by the previous governments.”

PM Modi pins hope on development works, Assam Accord to win electoral battle in north west

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides.

The budget also proposed to provide financial assistance to students, including girls from the minority community.

With an opening balance of minus Rs 1,799.84 crore, the budget proposed to have transactions of Rs 606.80 crore during 2019-20, Sarma told the House.

Sarma said that for special category states like Assam, companies with turnover of Rs 10 lakh are required to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST).

However, to give succour to small businesses and considering the small base, the government has raised the GST threhold limit to Rs 20 lakh following approval of the GST Council effective February 1, 2019.

Sarma further proposed to raise the threshold limit for registration under GST for suppliers of goods to Rs 40 lakh. However, the limit stays at Rs 20 lakh for supplier of services.

He said that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Centre provides rice at Rs 3 per kg to 57 lakh households in Assam covering a total population of 2.46 crore.

"To further strengthen food security for our people, we will provide rice at a further subsidized rate of Re 1 per kg instead of the present Rs 3 per kg and the move will benefit 53 Lakh households," Sarma said.

The government has also proposed to give 1 tola of gold (11.66 grams) to brides' parents of belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society.

"We shall give one tola gold costing around Rs 38,000 as on today to brides belonging to all such communities of our state where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding" under the Arundhati scheme.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides.

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday presented a Rs 1,193 crore deficit budget for 2019-20 with no fresh taxes and introducing new schemes like providing rice to poor at Re 1 a kg and gold for brides. The budget also proposed to provide financial assistance to students, including girls from the minority community. With an opening balance of minus Rs 1,799.84 crore, the budget proposed to have transactions of Rs 606.80 crore during 2019-20, Sarma told the House. Sarma said that for special category states like Assam, companies with turnover of Rs 10 lakh are required to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). However, to give succour to small businesses and considering the small base, the government has raised the GST threhold limit to Rs 20 lakh following approval of the GST Council effective February 1, 2019. Sarma further proposed to raise the threshold limit for registration under GST for suppliers of goods to Rs 40 lakh. However, the limit stays at Rs 20 lakh for supplier of services. He said that under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), the Centre provides rice at Rs 3 per kg to 57 lakh households in Assam covering a total population of 2.46 crore. "To further strengthen food security for our people, we will provide rice at a further subsidized rate of Re 1 per kg instead of the present Rs 3 per kg and the move will benefit 53 Lakh households," Sarma said. The government has also proposed to give 1 tola of gold (11.66 grams) to brides' parents of belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society. "We shall give one tola gold costing around Rs 38,000 as on today to brides belonging to all such communities of our state where it is customary to provide gold at the time of wedding" under the Arundhati scheme.

Assam budget proposes 1 tola gold for brides, rice at Re 1 a kg

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/disenfranchisement-may-be-first-possible-step-after-final-nrc-officials-182670">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty.

Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process.

The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the&nbsp;NRC process continues.

The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process.

The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold.

Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC.

It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1.

The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted.

The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form.

The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight).

The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card.

The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC.

The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy.

The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period.

The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then.

Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue.

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre Tuesday over Assam's National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying it is hell bent on not allowingwork to continue. The top court rapped the Ministry of Home Affairs for its plea seeking to stall NRC work for two weeks keeping in mind the role of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in election duty. Reiterating that the July 31 deadline for the completion of the NRC exercise will not be extended, a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the Centre is not cooperating in the NRC process and it seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the process. The apex court asked the Election Commission to consider exempting certain state officers from election duty to ensure that the NRC process continues. The top court had said on January 24 that the July 31, 2019 deadline to finalise the NRC for Assam cannot be extended. It had asked the state government, the NRC co-ordinator and the EC to ensure that the upcoming general elections did not slow down the process. The draft National Register of Citizens for Assam was published on July 30, 2018 in which the names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. The names of 40,70,707 people did not figure in the list. Of these, 37,59,630 names have been rejected and the remaining 2,48,077 are on hold. Earlier, the apex court had extended till December 31, 2018 the deadline for filing claims and objections for inclusion of names in the NRC in Assam by those who have been left out in the draft NRC. It had also made clear that the deadline for verifying the claims for inclusion in the NRC would be February 15, 2019 instead of February 1. The apex court had allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam NRC, saying the premise "better to exclude genuine person than to include a wrongful person" can't be accepted. The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form. The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants include extract of names in NRC, 1951; extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 and Citizenship Certificate and refugee certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight). The other two legacy documents include Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll, particularly, those issued from Tripura and the ration card. The court had also accepted the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prepared by the Centre and had fixed the timeline for various stages in publication of draft final NRC. The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy. The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC insurance policy of the relevant period. The first draft of the NRC for Assam was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 in accordance with the top court's direction. Names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated then. Assam, which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state to have an NRC, first prepared in 1951.

Assam's National Register of Citizens: Supreme Courts slams Centre, says it is hell bent on destroying process

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget.

A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday.

The budget will be presented by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Assembly on February 6.

The use of social media for seeking people's participation and inputs in the budget is also one of the first of its kind experiment in the country and has been very effective so far, the spokesman said.

In 11 days, the department has reached out to more than 1.6 lakh people by posting 200 feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 11 days, he said.

The use of this dynamic medium, in addition to other traditional means, has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and also in keeping with the commitment to adhere to the principles of participatory governance, he said.

One of the key objectives of the social media campaign outreach strategy has been to create a bonding with the vibrant pool of youngsters and many other tech-savvy people of Assam, the spokesman said.

The state government's budget app, called Assam Budget, is also a unique initiative towards a 'Digital India'.&nbsp;

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget. A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday.

For the first time, the Assam Finance Department will use social media as an additional platform to inform and engage citizens on the state's 2019-20 budget. A decision to this effect was taken by the department as social media is an effective tool to gauge public mood, acquire feedback and also to engage citizens for the forthcoming budget, a spokesman of the department said Monday. The budget will be presented by state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the Assembly on February 6. The use of social media for seeking people's participation and inputs in the budget is also one of the first of its kind experiment in the country and has been very effective so far, the spokesman said. In 11 days, the department has reached out to more than 1.6 lakh people by posting 200 feeds on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram in 11 days, he said. The use of this dynamic medium, in addition to other traditional means, has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas' and also in keeping with the commitment to adhere to the principles of participatory governance, he said. One of the key objectives of the social media campaign outreach strategy has been to create a bonding with the vibrant pool of youngsters and many other tech-savvy people of Assam, the spokesman said. The state government's budget app, called Assam Budget, is also a unique initiative towards a 'Digital India'.

In first, Assam finance department to use social media for state budget

Former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Sunday warned the Narendra Modi government that a "volatile" situation will arise in the state if the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha.

The two-time chief minister and founder-president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said the state is witnessing a mass uprising, similar to the Assam agitation of 1979-85, against the proposed legislation and the situation may turn worse if the NDA government "doesn't respect" people's sentiment.

"Situation in Assam will be very volatile if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Modi government will be responsible for it," Mahanta, who is now in Delhi to campaign against the bill, told PTI.

The bill provides for Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslims of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

Mahanta, who led the Assam agitation against the illegal immigrants, said the bill violates the provisions of the Assam Accord and basic tenants of the Constitution as it wants to give citizenship to anyone who had come to India till December 31, 2014 on the basis of religion.

"When the Assam Accord was signed (1985), all political parties, including the BJP, had welcomed it. But the BJP-led government wants to ruin it now. The bill also violates the basic tenants of the Constitution as it provides for citizenship on the basis of religion," he said.

Mahanta said the bill also violates the Supreme Court verdict on the famous Keshavanand Bharti case, which made it clear that basic structure of the Constitution is inviolable and hence can't be amended by Parliament.

The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document.

The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod.

There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill.

Political parties, students groups and others have been protesting on the grounds that the bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who have come up to December 31, 2014, thereby, increasing the deadline from 1971 as per the Assam Accord.

Also, according to the Assam Accord, all illegal immigrants who have come after 1971, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported and this bill violates that.

A delegation of the AGP, including Mahanta, met a number of BJP and opposition leaders in last two days to impress upon them the strong sentiment of the people in Assam against the bill.

The AGP team met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, among others.

The AGP has already quit its alliance with the BJP in Assam protesting against the Modi government's decision to get Parliament's approval for the bill. 
Mahanta alleged that the BJP is completely ignoring the sentiment of the Assamese people.

"It talks about something but does something else," he said.

The senior leader also claimed that there are intelligence reports about the current unrest in the Northeast and the central government is aware about them.

"If the government goes ahead with the bill, situation will be very difficult," he said.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said the bill will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced that the bill is an "atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition".&nbsp;

Former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Sunday warned the Narendra Modi government that a "volatile" situation will arise in the state if the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha.

Former Assam chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta Sunday warned the Narendra Modi government that a "volatile" situation will arise in the state if the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha. The two-time chief minister and founder-president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) said the state is witnessing a mass uprising, similar to the Assam agitation of 1979-85, against the proposed legislation and the situation may turn worse if the NDA government "doesn't respect" people's sentiment. "Situation in Assam will be very volatile if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Modi government will be responsible for it," Mahanta, who is now in Delhi to campaign against the bill, told PTI. The bill provides for Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslims of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Mahanta, who led the Assam agitation against the illegal immigrants, said the bill violates the provisions of the Assam Accord and basic tenants of the Constitution as it wants to give citizenship to anyone who had come to India till December 31, 2014 on the basis of religion. "When the Assam Accord was signed (1985), all political parties, including the BJP, had welcomed it. But the BJP-led government wants to ruin it now. The bill also violates the basic tenants of the Constitution as it provides for citizenship on the basis of religion," he said. Mahanta said the bill also violates the Supreme Court verdict on the famous Keshavanand Bharti case, which made it clear that basic structure of the Constitution is inviolable and hence can't be amended by Parliament. The bill provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after seven years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document. The legislation was passed by the Lok Sabha during the Winter Session on January 8 and has been awaiting Rajya Sabha nod. There has been strong opposition in Assam and other Northeastern states against the bill. Political parties, students groups and others have been protesting on the grounds that the bill seeks to grant nationality to non-Muslims who have come up to December 31, 2014, thereby, increasing the deadline from 1971 as per the Assam Accord. Also, according to the Assam Accord, all illegal immigrants who have come after 1971, irrespective of their religion, have to be deported and this bill violates that. A delegation of the AGP, including Mahanta, met a number of BJP and opposition leaders in last two days to impress upon them the strong sentiment of the people in Assam against the bill. The AGP team met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, among others. The AGP has already quit its alliance with the BJP in Assam protesting against the Modi government's decision to get Parliament's approval for the bill. Mahanta alleged that the BJP is completely ignoring the sentiment of the Assamese people. "It talks about something but does something else," he said. The senior leader also claimed that there are intelligence reports about the current unrest in the Northeast and the central government is aware about them. "If the government goes ahead with the bill, situation will be very difficult," he said. Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, President Ram Nath Kovind Thursday said the bill will give justice to persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through Indian nationality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced that the bill is an "atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition".

Ex-Assam CM Prafulla Kumar Mahanta warns of 'volatile' situation if Citizenship Bill is passed

The Assam government Saturday appealed to all groups, organisations and political parties to be peaceful and "dignified" in their agitation against the contentious citizenship bill.

Protest have rocked the state since the bill's passage in the Lok Sabha and on Friday activists of the peasant organisation Kisan Mazdoor Sangram Samiti held a nude protest outside the Assam Secretariat.

Chief secretary Alok Kumar told a press conference in Guwahati that it is the responsibility of the leaders to keep the movement peaceful.

"The state is passing through a stage which is challenging... We are a mature democracy. We can understand the aspirations and concerns of the people", he said.

Without making any direct reference to the KMSS protest, Kumar said "We have observed certain deviations of late. The government feels that we have to try to be as tolerant and as dignified in our conduct as possible."

"It is very important to observe the accepted democratic procedures because as a society we owe it to the next generation, our children and the young, who have impressionable minds," he said.

The chief secretary said they looked up to the older people as role models and the way they conducted themselves in public affected the children's thinking and behaviour.

"Some of the aspects like trying to take off clothes and protesting may not be the best way to draw attention in a matured society," Kumar added.

Stressing on dignified conduct, he said "We must respect each other. It is very important that this discourse not degenerate into violent behaviour on the streets."

Otherwise, the situation would become much more difficult. It might go out of the control of organisers and groups and even of law and order authorities.

"It is very important to avoid this and take a step back when such occasions arise," the chief secretary said.

Kumar said the protest against the bill has been peaceful so far and hoped it continues to be so as the general elections are due in the next two to three months.

"Our present assessment is that the situation is peaceful but challenging. On a scale of one to ten, it is slowly progressing".

Police said the nude protest was held by three KMSS activists who were arrested and added that necessary measures were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Stressing that a free and fair atmosphere is important for expressing opinions, Kumar said, "Let us maintain a peaceful and healthy environment and express our opinions in peaceful dignified and acceptable manner."

Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia, who was also present at the meet, said the law and order situation in the state was not out of control.&nbsp; 
He said the police was impartial and had strongly acted against law breakers.

 
&nbsp;

The Assam government Saturday appealed to all groups, organisations and political parties to be peaceful and "dignified" in their agitation against the contentious citizenship bill.

The Assam government Saturday appealed to all groups, organisations and political parties to be peaceful and "dignified" in their agitation against the contentious citizenship bill. Protest have rocked the state since the bill's passage in the Lok Sabha and on Friday activists of the peasant organisation Kisan Mazdoor Sangram Samiti held a nude protest outside the Assam Secretariat. Chief secretary Alok Kumar told a press conference in Guwahati that it is the responsibility of the leaders to keep the movement peaceful. "The state is passing through a stage which is challenging... We are a mature democracy. We can understand the aspirations and concerns of the people", he said. Without making any direct reference to the KMSS protest, Kumar said "We have observed certain deviations of late. The government feels that we have to try to be as tolerant and as dignified in our conduct as possible." "It is very important to observe the accepted democratic procedures because as a society we owe it to the next generation, our children and the young, who have impressionable minds," he said. The chief secretary said they looked up to the older people as role models and the way they conducted themselves in public affected the children's thinking and behaviour. "Some of the aspects like trying to take off clothes and protesting may not be the best way to draw attention in a matured society," Kumar added. Stressing on dignified conduct, he said "We must respect each other. It is very important that this discourse not degenerate into violent behaviour on the streets." Otherwise, the situation would become much more difficult. It might go out of the control of organisers and groups and even of law and order authorities. "It is very important to avoid this and take a step back when such occasions arise," the chief secretary said. Kumar said the protest against the bill has been peaceful so far and hoped it continues to be so as the general elections are due in the next two to three months. "Our present assessment is that the situation is peaceful but challenging. On a scale of one to ten, it is slowly progressing". Police said the nude protest was held by three KMSS activists who were arrested and added that necessary measures were taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Stressing that a free and fair atmosphere is important for expressing opinions, Kumar said, "Let us maintain a peaceful and healthy environment and express our opinions in peaceful dignified and acceptable manner." Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia, who was also present at the meet, said the law and order situation in the state was not out of control. He said the police was impartial and had strongly acted against law breakers.

Public agitations against citizenship bill should be dignified: Assam government

As the BJP faces heat over the Citizenship Bill in the northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;Tuesday said his party will always protect the interests of Assam.

Taking to Twitter, he also thanked the people of the state for supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party in elections to three tribal autonomous councils.

"Gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Assam for the strong support to @BJP4Assam in polls to three Tribal Autonomous Councils in the state.

The @BJP4India is fully committed towards the development and prosperity of Assam," he said.

The BJP has won several seats in the autonomous council polls.

Modi said the government&nbsp;will "always protect the interests of the state. "

"Several initiatives of the central and Assam government have contributed towards transforming lives of the citizens of Assam," he wrote.

Several BJP allies in the northeast will meet in Guwahati Tuesday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

As the BJP faces heat over the Citizenship Bill in the northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said his party will always protect the interests of Assam.

As the BJP faces heat over the Citizenship Bill in the northeast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said his party will always protect the interests of Assam. Taking to Twitter, he also thanked the people of the state for supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party in elections to three tribal autonomous councils. "Gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Assam for the strong support to @BJP4Assam in polls to three Tribal Autonomous Councils in the state. The @BJP4India is fully committed towards the development and prosperity of Assam," he said. The BJP has won several seats in the autonomous council polls. Modi said the government will "always protect the interests of the state. " "Several initiatives of the central and Assam government have contributed towards transforming lives of the citizens of Assam," he wrote. Several BJP allies in the northeast will meet in Guwahati Tuesday against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Citizenship Bill: PM says BJP will always protect interests of Assam

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to provide it various details including the number of functional detention centres in Assam and the number of foreigners detained there during the last 10 years.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing a petition filed by activist Harsh Mander on the condition of detention centres in Assam and the prolonged detention of foreigners there.&nbsp;

The apex court asked the Centre to provide various details about the detention centres, the period of detention of detainees and the status of their cases before the Foreigners Tribunal.&nbsp;

"We would like to know as to how many detention centres are there. We also want to know how many persons are lodged there and since when," the bench said.&nbsp;

The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to provide details as to how many persons are being declared foreigners so far and how many of them have been deported till date. 
&nbsp; 
The bench also sought the year-wise details of foreigners who have illegally entered into India during the last 10 years.&nbsp;

The bench, which has sought details within three weeks form the authority, has now posted the matter for further hearing on February 19. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to provide it various details including the number of functional detention centres in Assam and the number of foreigners detained there during the last 10 years.

The Supreme Court Monday directed the Centre to provide it various details including the number of functional detention centres in Assam and the number of foreigners detained there during the last 10 years. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing a petition filed by activist Harsh Mander on the condition of detention centres in Assam and the prolonged detention of foreigners there. The apex court asked the Centre to provide various details about the detention centres, the period of detention of detainees and the status of their cases before the Foreigners Tribunal. "We would like to know as to how many detention centres are there. We also want to know how many persons are lodged there and since when," the bench said. The bench also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to provide details as to how many persons are being declared foreigners so far and how many of them have been deported till date. The bench also sought the year-wise details of foreigners who have illegally entered into India during the last 10 years. The bench, which has sought details within three weeks form the authority, has now posted the matter for further hearing on February 19.

Supreme Court seeks information on detention centres & foreigners detained in Assam

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border.

The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala.

One of the arrested Rohingya claimed that they had come from Jammu to Agartala via Delhi and Guwahati in search of work but even after staying in a hotel for three days, they did not get any work in Agartala.

Hence, they were returning to Guwahati to find some job there. The arrested Rohingya also informed that a West Bengal-based man named Raju had brought them there.

However, police have found UN cards from some of them but are checking the authenticity of the cards.

Meantime, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-muslim-group-fleeing-india-to-bangladesh-stuck-on-zero-line-191773">31 Rohingyas including 16 children</a> and nine female are spending chill winter nights in the open sky for the fourth consecutive day at Rayermura under Amtali police station in the outskirts of Tripura capital Agartala.

They are stranded between the Indian barbed wire border fencing and the border pillars demarcating India and Bangladesh as reportedly border guards of both the nations are alleging each other for pushing them to the other nation's territory.

While the Border Security Force (BSF) has alleged that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) tried to push them to Indian Territory on the contrary BGB alleges the opposite.

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border. The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala.

At least 30 Rohingyas were apprehended by Assam police from a Guwahati-bound bus in Churaibari village near Tripura border. The group, consisting of male, female and children, were apprehended on Monday while they were moving towards Guwahati on a bus from Agartala. One of the arrested Rohingya claimed that they had come from Jammu to Agartala via Delhi and Guwahati in search of work but even after staying in a hotel for three days, they did not get any work in Agartala. Hence, they were returning to Guwahati to find some job there. The arrested Rohingya also informed that a West Bengal-based man named Raju had brought them there. However, police have found UN cards from some of them but are checking the authenticity of the cards. Meantime, 31 Rohingyas including 16 children and nine female are spending chill winter nights in the open sky for the fourth consecutive day at Rayermura under Amtali police station in the outskirts of Tripura capital Agartala. They are stranded between the Indian barbed wire border fencing and the border pillars demarcating India and Bangladesh as reportedly border guards of both the nations are alleging each other for pushing them to the other nation's territory. While the Border Security Force (BSF) has alleged that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) tried to push them to Indian Territory on the contrary BGB alleges the opposite.

Assam Police apprehend 30 more Rohingyas near Tripura border

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-after-rajya-sabha-clears-it-190286">Citizenship Bill </a>and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed.

Even as protests continued at many places across the state, Sonowal appealed to all those opposing the controversial bill to support the Centre's "pragmatic steps" for implementing the Clause-6 of the Assam Accord.

Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad, the recognised body representing government employees, extended its full support to the ongoing agitation led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) against the bill and warned that the Centre will solely be responsible for any untoward situation due to the protests.

During a function to inaugurate the newly-established branch of Auniati Satra at Bandardewa in Lakhimpur district, Sonowal said that a misinformation campaign was being unleashed by certain organisations on the proposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hindu-sikh-refugees-from-pakistan-hopeful-for-passage-of-citizenship-bill-189963">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a>, 2016.

"While people pay utmost respect to movements led by the non violent values of Mahatma Gandhi, misinformation always lends negative impact in society and such campaigns are always discarded by people," he said.

Trying to alleviate fears among the Assamese people, he explained that even if the bill was enacted as law, no one will get citizenship automatically, as one has to apply to the concerned district's deputy commissioner, who will then review and forward it to a competent authority to make the applicant an Indian national.

Talking about the recent high-power committee set up by the Centre, Sonowal said: "Though several governments came to power in the state as well as the Centre after the signing of Assam Accord in 1985, no government made any tangible effort to implement Clause 6 of the Accord, safeguarding the constitutional, legislative, administrative interests of the indigenous people."

"The present central government has for the first time taken pragmatic steps for implementation of Clause 6 by constituting a high-level committee and also taking steps for granting ST status to six communities of the state."

These efforts will go a long way in protecting the interests of the indigenous people of the state, he said.

Protests against the bill took place at various places in the state with the All Maran Students' Union holding an economic blockade for all vehicles for Arunachal Pradesh, and organising a bike rally at Makum.

Black flags were shown to Congress MP Sushmita Dev for her reported move to support the bill, which favours Hindus coming from Bangladesh.

The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, even if they do not possess any document.

Massive protests broke out across the state and other parts of the northeast after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Silchar on January 4 that the controversial bill would be passed as soon as possible in Parliament.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the Citizenship Bill and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Sunday claimed that misinformation was being spread about the Citizenship Bill and asserted that interests of indigenous people will not be harmed. Even as protests continued at many places across the state, Sonowal appealed to all those opposing the controversial bill to support the Centre's "pragmatic steps" for implementing the Clause-6 of the Assam Accord. Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad, the recognised body representing government employees, extended its full support to the ongoing agitation led by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) against the bill and warned that the Centre will solely be responsible for any untoward situation due to the protests. During a function to inaugurate the newly-established branch of Auniati Satra at Bandardewa in Lakhimpur district, Sonowal said that a misinformation campaign was being unleashed by certain organisations on the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. "While people pay utmost respect to movements led by the non violent values of Mahatma Gandhi, misinformation always lends negative impact in society and such campaigns are always discarded by people," he said. Trying to alleviate fears among the Assamese people, he explained that even if the bill was enacted as law, no one will get citizenship automatically, as one has to apply to the concerned district's deputy commissioner, who will then review and forward it to a competent authority to make the applicant an Indian national. Talking about the recent high-power committee set up by the Centre, Sonowal said: "Though several governments came to power in the state as well as the Centre after the signing of Assam Accord in 1985, no government made any tangible effort to implement Clause 6 of the Accord, safeguarding the constitutional, legislative, administrative interests of the indigenous people." "The present central government has for the first time taken pragmatic steps for implementation of Clause 6 by constituting a high-level committee and also taking steps for granting ST status to six communities of the state." These efforts will go a long way in protecting the interests of the indigenous people of the state, he said. Protests against the bill took place at various places in the state with the All Maran Students' Union holding an economic blockade for all vehicles for Arunachal Pradesh, and organising a bike rally at Makum. Black flags were shown to Congress MP Sushmita Dev for her reported move to support the bill, which favours Hindus coming from Bangladesh. The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, even if they do not possess any document. Massive protests broke out across the state and other parts of the northeast after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced in Silchar on January 4 that the controversial bill would be passed as soon as possible in Parliament.

Misinformation being spread about Citizenship Bill: Sarbananda Sonowal

The Assam government has increased the pension for freedom fighters of the state by Rs 1,000 per month with effect from January one.

Now the freedom fighters of the state will get a pension of Rs 21,000 per month.

The monthly pension has been enhanced from existing Rs 20,000 per month to Rs 21,000 per month and it will be applicable to all pensioners who are drawing the state freedom fighters' pension from the state exchequer, said a government release on Saturday.

The Assam government has increased the pension for freedom fighters of the state by Rs 1,000 per month with effect from January one. Now the freedom fighters of the state will get a pension of Rs 21,000 per month.

The Assam government has increased the pension for freedom fighters of the state by Rs 1,000 per month with effect from January one. Now the freedom fighters of the state will get a pension of Rs 21,000 per month. The monthly pension has been enhanced from existing Rs 20,000 per month to Rs 21,000 per month and it will be applicable to all pensioners who are drawing the state freedom fighters' pension from the state exchequer, said a government release on Saturday.

Assam government increases pension for state freedom fighters

Firing and lathi-charge by security forces to quell protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in West Tripura district earlier this week triggered 'bandh' in large parts of the northeastern state Saturday.

Agitators in neighbouring Assam and Mizoram too joined the stir against the bill that aims to provide citizenship to illegal migrants of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian extraction from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the day the bill was passed in Lok Sabha, seven people were injured in Madhabbari area of the district when police and the paramilitary forces resorted to lathi-charge and fired in the air to disperse protesters.

Normal life was crippled during the dawn-to-dusk bandh on Saturday in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which comprises two-thirds of Tripura's territory and is home to tribals who constitute a third of the state's population.

The bandh call was given by five indigenous parties - Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT-Tipraha), Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra, Twipra State Party, National Conference of Tripura and Tripura People's Party - to protest against the police firing.

Sunil Dev Debbarma, general secretary of Tripura Students Federation, said the seven injured in the lathi charge are admitted to a hospital but said to be stable.

Khumulwng town, the headquarters of the tribal council around 18km from Agartala, remained deserted as shops were closed and markets were closed and vehicles stayed off roads. Schools, colleges and government offices also remained shut, police said.

There was no report of any violence from any part of the council during the bandh, said Subrata Chakraborty, the state additional inspector general (law and order).

"There were road blockades by bandh supporters in at least three districts Kalacherra, S K Para and Neilahabari in Dhalai district, Sachirambari in South Tripura district, Amarpur and Takcherra in Gomati district," Chakraborty said.

The officer said there was no road blockade or demonstration near Khumulwng town and adjacent areas.

When contacted, Radha Charan Debbarma, TTAADC chief executive member and prominent leader of the opposition CPI(M), said the situation in the council area remained peaceful.

"Over 1,800 schools and eight colleges in TTAADC area remained closed and no employee turned up at their offices. Everything, including markets and shops, remained closed and vehicles remained off roads," Debbarma said.

West Tripura Superintendent of Police Ajit Pratap Singh said the situation in Madhabbari and adjacent areas was normal.

The ban on Internet services and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been lifted, Singh said.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has ordered a magisterial inquiry into how and under what circumstances police opened fire on protesters in Madhabbari.

During the bandh, Twipra State Party members wore black badges and took out rallies with black flags in several places, TSP general secretary Sunil Debbarma said.

A motorbike rally with participants carrying black flags was organised in Barkathal in West Tripura district, he said.

In the neighbouring Assam, the North East Students Organisation (NESO) observed a 'black day' to protest the firing incident in Tripura.

The All Assam Students Union, a constituent of NESO, hoisted a black flag at its headquarters in Guwahati and student activists protested across the state.

AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya, who had gone to Tripura with a team of NESO members, said they were stopped by police when they were proceeding towards Khumulwung Hospital to visit the injured persons after meeting other injured people at G B Pant Hospital.

He alleged that the Tripura Chief Minister Deb does not understand the pain of the indigenous people.

"We condemn the high-handed attitude of BJP government in Tripura and protest against it by observing today as 'black day', he added.

In Mizoram, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl or Mizo student federation, a constituent of NESO, had called for protests.

Black flags were hoisted at several places in the state capital Aizawl by MZP activists.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Firing and lathi-charge by security forces to quell protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in West Tripura district earlier this week triggered 'bandh' in large parts of the northeastern state Saturday.

Firing and lathi-charge by security forces to quell protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in West Tripura district earlier this week triggered 'bandh' in large parts of the northeastern state Saturday. Agitators in neighbouring Assam and Mizoram too joined the stir against the bill that aims to provide citizenship to illegal migrants of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi or Christian extraction from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Tuesday, the day the bill was passed in Lok Sabha, seven people were injured in Madhabbari area of the district when police and the paramilitary forces resorted to lathi-charge and fired in the air to disperse protesters. Normal life was crippled during the dawn-to-dusk bandh on Saturday in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), which comprises two-thirds of Tripura's territory and is home to tribals who constitute a third of the state's population. The bandh call was given by five indigenous parties - Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT-Tipraha), Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra, Twipra State Party, National Conference of Tripura and Tripura People's Party - to protest against the police firing. Sunil Dev Debbarma, general secretary of Tripura Students Federation, said the seven injured in the lathi charge are admitted to a hospital but said to be stable. Khumulwng town, the headquarters of the tribal council around 18km from Agartala, remained deserted as shops were closed and markets were closed and vehicles stayed off roads. Schools, colleges and government offices also remained shut, police said. There was no report of any violence from any part of the council during the bandh, said Subrata Chakraborty, the state additional inspector general (law and order). "There were road blockades by bandh supporters in at least three districts Kalacherra, S K Para and Neilahabari in Dhalai district, Sachirambari in South Tripura district, Amarpur and Takcherra in Gomati district," Chakraborty said. The officer said there was no road blockade or demonstration near Khumulwng town and adjacent areas. When contacted, Radha Charan Debbarma, TTAADC chief executive member and prominent leader of the opposition CPI(M), said the situation in the council area remained peaceful. "Over 1,800 schools and eight colleges in TTAADC area remained closed and no employee turned up at their offices. Everything, including markets and shops, remained closed and vehicles remained off roads," Debbarma said. West Tripura Superintendent of Police Ajit Pratap Singh said the situation in Madhabbari and adjacent areas was normal. The ban on Internet services and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure have been lifted, Singh said. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has ordered a magisterial inquiry into how and under what circumstances police opened fire on protesters in Madhabbari. During the bandh, Twipra State Party members wore black badges and took out rallies with black flags in several places, TSP general secretary Sunil Debbarma said. A motorbike rally with participants carrying black flags was organised in Barkathal in West Tripura district, he said. In the neighbouring Assam, the North East Students Organisation (NESO) observed a 'black day' to protest the firing incident in Tripura. The All Assam Students Union, a constituent of NESO, hoisted a black flag at its headquarters in Guwahati and student activists protested across the state. AASU chief advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya, who had gone to Tripura with a team of NESO members, said they were stopped by police when they were proceeding towards Khumulwung Hospital to visit the injured persons after meeting other injured people at G B Pant Hospital. He alleged that the Tripura Chief Minister Deb does not understand the pain of the indigenous people. "We condemn the high-handed attitude of BJP government in Tripura and protest against it by observing today as 'black day', he added. In Mizoram, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl or Mizo student federation, a constituent of NESO, had called for protests. Black flags were hoisted at several places in the state capital Aizawl by MZP activists.

Bandh in Northeast states after police fire on people protesting against Citizenship Bill in Tripura

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state.&nbsp;

The Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations, Assam has given a call for a 24-hour bandh from 5 am today to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which accorded ST status to the six ethnic groups of the state.

Tribal organisations are of the opinion that tribals are being cornered by not granting them ST status.&nbsp;

“This strike has been called to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill granting ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam. We are not just being cornered but it is an attempt by both the state and the central government to eliminate genuine tribals from the state,” said a leader of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal organisations.&nbsp;

The six ethnic groups which have been considered for ST status by the central government are - Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities.

Meanwhile, the Guwahati administration has clamped section 144 CrPC in Guwahati until further orders to prevent any deterioration in law and order situation amidst protests and a 24-hour strike. &nbsp;

The prohibitory order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Police, East Police District read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me, under section 144 CrPC, I, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, DCP, East Police District, Guwahati, do hereby prohibit assembly of more than five persons, agitation, demonstration, procession and shouting slogans in the entire East Police district, Guwahati covering Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basistha, Hatigaon, Sonapur and Khetri Police station areas under it without prior permission from competent authority.”

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state.

At a time massive protests are being organised across Assam against the Citizenship Amendment Bill, tribal organisations have called a 24-hour strike on Friday across the state. The Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations, Assam has given a call for a 24-hour bandh from 5 am today to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill, which accorded ST status to the six ethnic groups of the state. Tribal organisations are of the opinion that tribals are being cornered by not granting them ST status. “This strike has been called to protest against the Constitution Amendment Bill granting ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam. We are not just being cornered but it is an attempt by both the state and the central government to eliminate genuine tribals from the state,” said a leader of the Coordination Committee of the Tribal organisations. The six ethnic groups which have been considered for ST status by the central government are - Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities. Meanwhile, the Guwahati administration has clamped section 144 CrPC in Guwahati until further orders to prevent any deterioration in law and order situation amidst protests and a 24-hour strike. The prohibitory order issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Police, East Police District read, “In exercise of powers conferred upon me, under section 144 CrPC, I, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, DCP, East Police District, Guwahati, do hereby prohibit assembly of more than five persons, agitation, demonstration, procession and shouting slogans in the entire East Police district, Guwahati covering Dispur, Bhangagarh, Basistha, Hatigaon, Sonapur and Khetri Police station areas under it without prior permission from competent authority.”

Assam: Tribal organisations observe 24-hour strike today 

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday.

The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said.

The protesters also set fire to the effigies of Prime Minister Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and also blocked the national highway shouting slogans against the BJP-led NDA government.

Later, the police took the agitators into custody.

Assam has witness protests since the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the Bill that aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for citizenship of India, after a Joint Parliamentary Committee submitted its recommendations to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

While the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has snapped its ties with the BJP over the Bill and it`s three ministers resigned, four members of the Central government nominated a high powered committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord have also declined to participate.

On Tuesday, the northeastern states observed a total shutdown in protest.

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday. The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said.

As protests continued unabated against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Assam, a group of protesters vandalised a BJP office, police said on Friday. The protestors belonging to Oikya Sena Asom on Thursday night vandalised the office in Palashbari area, a report said. The protesters also set fire to the effigies of Prime Minister Modi, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and also blocked the national highway shouting slogans against the BJP-led NDA government. Later, the police took the agitators into custody. Assam has witness protests since the Union Cabinet on Monday approved the Bill that aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to make illegal migrants who are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan eligible for citizenship of India, after a Joint Parliamentary Committee submitted its recommendations to the Lok Sabha. While the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has snapped its ties with the BJP over the Bill and it`s three ministers resigned, four members of the Central government nominated a high powered committee to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord have also declined to participate. On Tuesday, the northeastern states observed a total shutdown in protest.

BJP office vandalised in Assam over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-bill-sonowal-says-interests-of-indigenous-people-will-be-protected-189460">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> was not withdrawn by the Centre.

By prohibiting all sorts of protests, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government was curtailing the democratic rights of people and running the state in an autocratic manner, he added.

"I will violate (section) 144 (of the Code of Criminal Procedure) if you (Centre) do not withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I will lead people and shout slogans. I will go to jail -- a jail bharo (movement)," Gogoi told reporters here.

In view of protests on a daily basis against the bill, the Guwahati police on Thursday banned all sorts of agitations, demonstrations, processions and slogan-shouting in large parts of Guwahati under section 144 of the CrPC.&nbsp;

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was not withdrawn by the Centre.

Senior Congress leader and former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday said he would break the prohibitory order and court arrest if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was not withdrawn by the Centre. By prohibiting all sorts of protests, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Assam government was curtailing the democratic rights of people and running the state in an autocratic manner, he added. "I will violate (section) 144 (of the Code of Criminal Procedure) if you (Centre) do not withdraw the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. I will lead people and shout slogans. I will go to jail -- a jail bharo (movement)," Gogoi told reporters here. In view of protests on a daily basis against the bill, the Guwahati police on Thursday banned all sorts of agitations, demonstrations, processions and slogan-shouting in large parts of Guwahati under section 144 of the CrPC.

Citizenship Bill: Ex-Assam CM Tarun Gogoi says he will violate prohibitory order

The BJP Monday expressed sadness over its ally <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-bjp-in-assam-after-the-union-cabinet-approves-citizenship-amendment-bill-188833">AGP deciding to break the partnership over the Citizenship Bill</a>, saying the regional party had "fallen into the Congress trap".

While opposition Congress welcomed the AGP's decision, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) proposed to form a united platform taking along the regional party to fight the "communal and divisive" politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) invited the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) to join the ongoing agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

The Congress and the AIUDF also lashed out at senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for claiming that the state will "go Jinnah's way if the Citizenship Bill is not passed".

The proposed Citizenship Bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

BJP Spokesperson Rupam Goswami said, "We have not got any information officially. The alliance with the AGP was made by our national president (Amit Shah), so I think only he will be informed."

"We are definitely hurt seeing it on TV because we did not want them to leave the alliance. We got a hint that they have fallen into the Congress trap," Goswami told PTI.

Another alliance partner, the Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF), did not come out with any official reaction, but its MLA and Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma termed the AGP's decision as "correct", adding that it was her personal view.

"The party (AGP) was born for the cause of the indigenous people and cannot go against them. Responding to peoples' call, it has withdrawn the support," she said.

Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi of the Congress said the AGP should join hands with other parties to protest against the bill.

"We should forget all our differences and aim towards fighting against the bill," he said

Though the Congress leader ruled out any "political equation" with the help of the AGP.

On Sarma's Jinnah comment, Gogoi said it reflected the communal politics of the minister.

However, state Congress president Ripun Bora accused the AGP of carrying on with the alliance for the "sake of power" and noted that the damage to the state had already been done.

"The AGP left the alliance when no alternative was left. They stayed for so long only for the sake of power. The decision is too late as the damage has already been done," Bora said.

Had the AGP not partnered with the BJP, the saffron party would have not bagged so much seats in the assembly election and formed a government in the state, he added.

AIUDF spokesperson Aminul Islam said, "We now hope that we can form a united opposition front, including the Congress, the AGP, the BPF and the Left to fight the communal and divisive politics of the BJP."

The AIUDF legislator also criticised Sarma asserting that Muslims who supported Jinnah went to Pakistan during the partition and those who stayed back in India were opposed to his politics.

Meanwhile, All Assam Students Union (AASU) General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, "The AGP became power hungry. It is unfortunate that they realised it so late. Along with AGP, now we appeal all political parties to come out and join the protest (against the Citizenship Bill)."

The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) too said that it was time for all parties against the bill to unite and find an alternative to communal politics.

"Talking about Jinnah at this time is deliberately done to polarise the society before the polls. By doing so, he (Sarma) is trying to spread the communal agenda of the RSS," KMSS adviser Akhil Gogoi said.

The BJP Monday expressed sadness over its ally AGP deciding to break the partnership over the Citizenship Bill, saying the regional party had "fallen into the Congress trap".

The BJP Monday expressed sadness over its ally AGP deciding to break the partnership over the Citizenship Bill, saying the regional party had "fallen into the Congress trap". While opposition Congress welcomed the AGP's decision, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) proposed to form a united platform taking along the regional party to fight the "communal and divisive" politics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) invited the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) to join the ongoing agitation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The Congress and the AIUDF also lashed out at senior minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for claiming that the state will "go Jinnah's way if the Citizenship Bill is not passed". The proposed Citizenship Bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. BJP Spokesperson Rupam Goswami said, "We have not got any information officially. The alliance with the AGP was made by our national president (Amit Shah), so I think only he will be informed." "We are definitely hurt seeing it on TV because we did not want them to leave the alliance. We got a hint that they have fallen into the Congress trap," Goswami told PTI. Another alliance partner, the Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF), did not come out with any official reaction, but its MLA and Social Welfare Minister Pramila Rani Brahma termed the AGP's decision as "correct", adding that it was her personal view. "The party (AGP) was born for the cause of the indigenous people and cannot go against them. Responding to peoples' call, it has withdrawn the support," she said. Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi of the Congress said the AGP should join hands with other parties to protest against the bill. "We should forget all our differences and aim towards fighting against the bill," he said Though the Congress leader ruled out any "political equation" with the help of the AGP. On Sarma's Jinnah comment, Gogoi said it reflected the communal politics of the minister. However, state Congress president Ripun Bora accused the AGP of carrying on with the alliance for the "sake of power" and noted that the damage to the state had already been done. "The AGP left the alliance when no alternative was left. They stayed for so long only for the sake of power. The decision is too late as the damage has already been done," Bora said. Had the AGP not partnered with the BJP, the saffron party would have not bagged so much seats in the assembly election and formed a government in the state, he added. AIUDF spokesperson Aminul Islam said, "We now hope that we can form a united opposition front, including the Congress, the AGP, the BPF and the Left to fight the communal and divisive politics of the BJP." The AIUDF legislator also criticised Sarma asserting that Muslims who supported Jinnah went to Pakistan during the partition and those who stayed back in India were opposed to his politics. Meanwhile, All Assam Students Union (AASU) General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi said, "The AGP became power hungry. It is unfortunate that they realised it so late. Along with AGP, now we appeal all political parties to come out and join the protest (against the Citizenship Bill)." The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) too said that it was time for all parties against the bill to unite and find an alternative to communal politics. "Talking about Jinnah at this time is deliberately done to polarise the society before the polls. By doing so, he (Sarma) is trying to spread the communal agenda of the RSS," KMSS adviser Akhil Gogoi said.

BJP 'hurt' by AGP pullout, opposition parties welcome decision

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/northeast-bandh-begins-against-citizenship-amendment-bill-188915">Agitators clashed with the police</a>, gheraoed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's house at his native place in Dibrugarh, blocked national highways and damaged vehicles in Assam during an 11-hour "bandh" called by the AASU to protest against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agp-pulls-out-of-alliance-with-bjp-in-assam-after-the-union-cabinet-approves-citizenship-amendment-bill-188833">The All Assam Students' Union (AASU)</a> activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh, prompting the security forces to resort to lathi-charge and fire rubber bullets to disperse the protestors.

Nobody was injured in the incident, the police said.

The AASU has called for a statewide "bandh" and it is being supported by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which withdrew support to the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday.

Opposition Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) are also supporting the bandh.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Normal life was hit in the Brahmaputra valley and was partially affected in the Barak valley due to a "north-east bandh" called separately by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students' bodies in the region, of which the AASU is a constituent.

The "bandh" called by the NESO on the same issue is being supported by over 100 organisations in Assam as well as in the other north-eastern states.

The agitators gheraoed Sonowal's house in his hometown, Dibrugarh, to register their protest against the bill. They raised slogans that the chief minister had no reason to continue on his post as he could not protect the interests of the people of the state.

The protesters blocked roads and national highways by burning tyres and smashed the windshields of trucks, cars, and autorickshaws at many places, including in Guwahati, the police said.

The picketers squatted on the railway tracks at various places in Guwahati and Dibrugarh district, but the movement of trains, including that of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and the Kolkata-bound Kamrup Express, resumed after the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel removed them from the tracks, railway sources said.

There was no movement of goods-laden trucks on all the national highways, following an economic blockade call issued by the KMSS, sources said.

Private and government vehicles plying on the national highways were being escorted by the police in convoys, they added.

Banners and posters at a BJP office were set ablaze in Golaghat, while a black flag was put up at another office of the saffron party in Lakhimpur district, the police said.

Shops, markets, banks, and other financial institutions kept their shutters down, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and private vehicles including long-distance buses kept off the roads in the Brahmaputra valley, the police and official sources said.

The attendance was thin in government offices as the employees faced difficulty in reaching the workplace in the absence of adequate public transport, the sources said.

The "bandh" also evoked a response in the Barak valley, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on January 4 that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament as soon as possible as a penance for past injustices.

Thirty ethnic organisations, besides 69 other groups along with the KMSS, have extended their support to the "bandh".

AASU and NESO chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya told reporters, "If Meghalaya and Mizoram can adopt a cabinet resolution opposing the bill, why can't Assam do the same?"

"The people of Assam, for the last 70 years since Independence, have been forced by the Centre to agitate for their rights, language, existence, culture, heritage and infrastructure."

Dipankar Nath, the president of AASU, which had led the six-year-long Assam Movement against illegal immigrants, said, "Despite wide opposition to it, the BJP government at the Centre has undemocratically imposed the bill on us as they want to win the (Lok Sabha) election by taking the votes of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants."

The "north-east bandh" called by the NESO is being enforced by its member organisations such as the Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), the Garo Students' Union (GSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and the Twipra Students' Federation (TSF).

The "bandh" has hit normal life in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, according to reports from these states.

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh.

Agitators clashed with the police, gheraoed Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal's house at his native place in Dibrugarh, blocked national highways and damaged vehicles in Assam during an 11-hour "bandh" called by the AASU to protest against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) activists clashed with the police when they attempted to ransack a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Dibrugarh, prompting the security forces to resort to lathi-charge and fire rubber bullets to disperse the protestors. Nobody was injured in the incident, the police said. The AASU has called for a statewide "bandh" and it is being supported by the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which withdrew support to the BJP-led government in Assam on Monday. Opposition Congress, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) are also supporting the bandh. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Normal life was hit in the Brahmaputra valley and was partially affected in the Barak valley due to a "north-east bandh" called separately by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO), an umbrella organisation of students' bodies in the region, of which the AASU is a constituent. The "bandh" called by the NESO on the same issue is being supported by over 100 organisations in Assam as well as in the other north-eastern states. The agitators gheraoed Sonowal's house in his hometown, Dibrugarh, to register their protest against the bill. They raised slogans that the chief minister had no reason to continue on his post as he could not protect the interests of the people of the state. The protesters blocked roads and national highways by burning tyres and smashed the windshields of trucks, cars, and autorickshaws at many places, including in Guwahati, the police said. The picketers squatted on the railway tracks at various places in Guwahati and Dibrugarh district, but the movement of trains, including that of the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express and the Kolkata-bound Kamrup Express, resumed after the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel removed them from the tracks, railway sources said. There was no movement of goods-laden trucks on all the national highways, following an economic blockade call issued by the KMSS, sources said. Private and government vehicles plying on the national highways were being escorted by the police in convoys, they added. Banners and posters at a BJP office were set ablaze in Golaghat, while a black flag was put up at another office of the saffron party in Lakhimpur district, the police said. Shops, markets, banks, and other financial institutions kept their shutters down, educational institutions, private offices remained closed and private vehicles including long-distance buses kept off the roads in the Brahmaputra valley, the police and official sources said. The attendance was thin in government offices as the employees faced difficulty in reaching the workplace in the absence of adequate public transport, the sources said. The "bandh" also evoked a response in the Barak valley, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on January 4 that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament as soon as possible as a penance for past injustices. Thirty ethnic organisations, besides 69 other groups along with the KMSS, have extended their support to the "bandh". AASU and NESO chief adviser Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya told reporters, "If Meghalaya and Mizoram can adopt a cabinet resolution opposing the bill, why can't Assam do the same?" "The people of Assam, for the last 70 years since Independence, have been forced by the Centre to agitate for their rights, language, existence, culture, heritage and infrastructure." Dipankar Nath, the president of AASU, which had led the six-year-long Assam Movement against illegal immigrants, said, "Despite wide opposition to it, the BJP government at the Centre has undemocratically imposed the bill on us as they want to win the (Lok Sabha) election by taking the votes of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants." The "north-east bandh" called by the NESO is being enforced by its member organisations such as the Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), the Garo Students' Union (GSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF), the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and the Twipra Students' Federation (TSF). The "bandh" has hit normal life in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, according to reports from these states.

Bandh against Citizenship Bill hits normal life in Assam, other NE states

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards.

The move came days after the Union Cabinet took a decision in this effect as per the 1985 Assam Accord.

The committee will be headed by headed by former Union tourism secretary M P Bezbaruah.&nbsp;

In a notification, the Home Ministry said the committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

"The committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people.

"The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," the notification said.

The notification said the panel will also hold discussions with various stakeholders, including social organisations, legal and constitutional experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and sociologists.

It will suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam.

The committee can also suggest any other measures, as may be necessary, to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It will submit its report within six months from the date of notification (January 5).

The panel will be facilitated by the Noth East Division of the Home Ministry and the state government will provide the necessary administrative and logistic support to the committee.

The clause 6 of the Accord states, "Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people".

Besides, Bezbarauah, a retired IAS officer, the members of the panel are: former IAS officer Subhash Das, Nagen Saikia, former President, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dhiren Bezbaruah, former editor of The Sentinel, Mukunda Rajbangshi, educationalist, Ramesh Borpatragohain, advocate general of Assam, Rongbong Terang, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, and one representative of the All Assam Students' Union.&nbsp;

The joint secretary in the Home Ministry will be member secretary.&nbsp;

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards.

The Centre has set up a high-level committee to assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in the Assam Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people, besides providing other safeguards. The move came days after the Union Cabinet took a decision in this effect as per the 1985 Assam Accord. The committee will be headed by headed by former Union tourism secretary M P Bezbaruah. In a notification, the Home Ministry said the committee will examine the effectiveness of actions taken since 1985 to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. "The committee will assess the appropriate level of reservation of seats in Assam Legislative Assembly and local bodies for the Assamese people. "The committee will recommend the appropriate level of reservations in employment under the government of Assam for the Assamese people," the notification said. The notification said the panel will also hold discussions with various stakeholders, including social organisations, legal and constitutional experts, eminent persons from the field of art, culture and literature, conservationists, economists, linguists and sociologists. It will suggest measures to be taken to protect Assamese and other indigenous languages of Assam. The committee can also suggest any other measures, as may be necessary, to protect, preserve and promote cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people. It will submit its report within six months from the date of notification (January 5). The panel will be facilitated by the Noth East Division of the Home Ministry and the state government will provide the necessary administrative and logistic support to the committee. The clause 6 of the Accord states, "Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people". Besides, Bezbarauah, a retired IAS officer, the members of the panel are: former IAS officer Subhash Das, Nagen Saikia, former President, Assam Sahitya Sabha, Dhiren Bezbaruah, former editor of The Sentinel, Mukunda Rajbangshi, educationalist, Ramesh Borpatragohain, advocate general of Assam, Rongbong Terang, former president of the Assam Sahitya Sabha, and one representative of the All Assam Students' Union. The joint secretary in the Home Ministry will be member secretary.

Centre sets up panel for reservation of seats in assembly, local bodies for Assamese

Protests over the Citizenship Bill erupted at various places in Assam on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government was working to ensure the proposed legislation gets Parliament nod.

The agitators burnt effigies of Modi in Lower Assam and Dibrugarh, even as Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured the people that he would protect the interests of the state.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of their residence in India.

Several indigenous organisations in the state have been opposing the bill as they believe it would harm their cultural identity.

The PM, after flagging off the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll campaign in the northeast, said Friday that the bill was “not for the benefit of anyone but a penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past”.

Around 70 organisations, led by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), took out protest rallies in the state capital in the morning.

The KMSS members had plans to march to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) headquarters here to ask the party to break off its alliance with the BJP, but the police prevented them from doing so, its leader Akhil Gogoi Gogoi told reporters.

&nbsp;“We took out the rally to urge the people to come out of their homes and protest against the prime minister’s announcement. The bill will put the identity of the indigenous people at stake.

“We cannot tolerate a leader coming from Delhi and threatening our very existence while the chief minister and other BJP leaders applaud him,” Gogoi said.

Meanwhile, Sonowal on Saturday asked the people to keep calm as the state government would never do anything to harm their interests.

“I am the chief minister of Assam and I have been entrusted with the duty of protecting the interest of the people of both Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. People should not doubt the government’s intention,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

He said he would go all out to secure the identity of its people.

“We are committed to fulfill our responsibilities with sincerity. I will go all out to ensure that ‘Jati-Mati-Bheti and Krishti’ (community, land, homeland and cultural identity) are not affected,” he added.

Protests over the Citizenship Bill erupted at various places in Assam on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government was working to ensure the proposed legislation gets Parliament nod.

Protests over the Citizenship Bill erupted at various places in Assam on Saturday, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government was working to ensure the proposed legislation gets Parliament nod. The agitators burnt effigies of Modi in Lower Assam and Dibrugarh, even as Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal assured the people that he would protect the interests of the state. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant nationality to people belonging to minority communities -- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians -- in Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of their residence in India. Several indigenous organisations in the state have been opposing the bill as they believe it would harm their cultural identity. The PM, after flagging off the BJP’s Lok Sabha poll campaign in the northeast, said Friday that the bill was “not for the benefit of anyone but a penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past”. Around 70 organisations, led by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), took out protest rallies in the state capital in the morning. The KMSS members had plans to march to the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) headquarters here to ask the party to break off its alliance with the BJP, but the police prevented them from doing so, its leader Akhil Gogoi Gogoi told reporters. “We took out the rally to urge the people to come out of their homes and protest against the prime minister’s announcement. The bill will put the identity of the indigenous people at stake. “We cannot tolerate a leader coming from Delhi and threatening our very existence while the chief minister and other BJP leaders applaud him,” Gogoi said. Meanwhile, Sonowal on Saturday asked the people to keep calm as the state government would never do anything to harm their interests. “I am the chief minister of Assam and I have been entrusted with the duty of protecting the interest of the people of both Brahmaputra and Barak Valley. People should not doubt the government’s intention,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. He said he would go all out to secure the identity of its people. “We are committed to fulfill our responsibilities with sincerity. I will go all out to ensure that ‘Jati-Mati-Bheti and Krishti’ (community, land, homeland and cultural identity) are not affected,” he added.

Protests against Citizenship Bill rock Assam, CM asks the public to keep calm

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/opinion-modi-back-in-a-humble-avatar-187769">Prime Minister Modi</a>&nbsp;addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday.

In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nrc-will-be-limited-to-assam-for-now-hansraj-ahir-185187">NRC&nbsp;(National Register of Citizens)</a> and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega. <a href="https://t.co/fq9IT0vei5">pic.twitter.com/fq9IT0vei5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081130764773732352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega".

"I am aware of the problems and difficulties faced by many during the NRC process but I assure you that no injustice will be done to any genuine Indian citizens," he added.

Calling the Citizenship Amendment Bill, a penance against the injustice done in the past, he also assured that his government was working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in Parliament.

"Citizenship bill not for anyone's benefit, but a penance against injustice done in past; hope it will be passed soon in Parliament, " PM Modi said.

"Our government is moving ahead with Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; it is linked with emotions and related to peoples' lives," he added.

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PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Our govt is also working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in the Parliament. <a href="https://t.co/GF2WdSBlBD">pic.twitter.com/GF2WdSBlBD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081134449427771392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi further said that the government had decided to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord to safeguard social, cultural and linguistic identity of the state.

"I am indebted to the people of Assam for voting for the BJP in the recent panchayat elections and I am committed to repay this debt by ensuring the development of the state," he said.

Recalling his inauguration of the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge at Bogibeel in upper Assam on December 25, Modi said "I am fortunate to be with the people of Assam for the second time in 10 days. The Barak and Brahmaputra valleys are a source of inspiration not only for the state but also for the country", Modi said.

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Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates several development projects and dedicates 400kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line, in Imphal. Chief Minister N Biren Singh also present. <a href="https://t.co/aDWqjNeqTf">pic.twitter.com/aDWqjNeqTf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1081100736786821122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The BJP and its allies is setting the target to win 21 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in eight states in the region and in Assam the party hopes to win at least 11 of the 14 seats.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had made massive in roads in Assam winning seven of its 14 parliamentary seats and in the 2016 assembly polls the party emerged as the single largest party with 61 seats while its alliance partners AGP and BPF had won 14 and 12 seats respectively.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday. In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod.

Launching the first phase of the poll campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Modi addressed a rally at Assam's Cachar district on Friday. In the first, Vijay Sankalp Samavesh Rally, PM Modi assured the people of Assam that no genuine citizen will be left out of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) and hoped that the citizenship bill will soon get Parliament's nod. PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega. pic.twitter.com/fq9IT0vei5 — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × "Aapko fir se bharosa deta hoon, koi bhi bharatiya nagrik National Register of Citizens of India (NRC) mein se nahi chootega". "I am aware of the problems and difficulties faced by many during the NRC process but I assure you that no injustice will be done to any genuine Indian citizens," he added. Calling the Citizenship Amendment Bill, a penance against the injustice done in the past, he also assured that his government was working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in Parliament. "Citizenship bill not for anyone's benefit, but a penance against injustice done in past; hope it will be passed soon in Parliament, " PM Modi said. "Our government is moving ahead with Citizenship (Amendment) Bill; it is linked with emotions and related to peoples' lives," he added. PM Modi addressing a rally in Silchar, Assam: Our govt is also working to get the Citizen Amendment Bill passed in the Parliament. pic.twitter.com/GF2WdSBlBD — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × PM Modi further said that the government had decided to implement Clause 6 of Assam Accord to safeguard social, cultural and linguistic identity of the state. "I am indebted to the people of Assam for voting for the BJP in the recent panchayat elections and I am committed to repay this debt by ensuring the development of the state," he said. Recalling his inauguration of the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge at Bogibeel in upper Assam on December 25, Modi said "I am fortunate to be with the people of Assam for the second time in 10 days. The Barak and Brahmaputra valleys are a source of inspiration not only for the state but also for the country", Modi said. Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates several development projects and dedicates 400kV double circuit Silchar-Imphal line, in Imphal. Chief Minister N Biren Singh also present. pic.twitter.com/aDWqjNeqTf — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2019 × The BJP and its allies is setting the target to win 21 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in eight states in the region and in Assam the party hopes to win at least 11 of the 14 seats. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, BJP had made massive in roads in Assam winning seven of its 14 parliamentary seats and in the 2016 assembly polls the party emerged as the single largest party with 61 seats while its alliance partners AGP and BPF had won 14 and 12 seats respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

No genuine citizen will be left out of NRC: PM Modi at rally in Assam

The process for correcting names and other particulars that appeared in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens will begin from January 2, said a notice issued by the office of NRC Assam.

According to the notice issued by NRC state coordinator, Government of Assam, "Name, etc Correction - Services for online correction of names and other particulars appearing in Draft NRC will be started from 10 am of 2/1/19.&nbsp;

"This facility can be availed by visiting NRC Assam's website. Facility for name correction will also be available by submission of correction forms at NRC Seva Kendras (NSKs). These facilities will be available till 31/1/19," the notice stated.

The process has no connection with the submission of claims and objections which got over on December 31, 2018, it said.

The filing of claims and objections to decide the fate of 40 lakh people whose names were excluded from the draft list (released on July 30 last) had begun on September 25, 2018 and ended on December 15 that year.

The Supreme Court had pushed the date to December 31, 2018 after the Assam government sought extension of the last date following demands for it by various local organisations.

Reports appearing in a section of media claimed around 30 lakh people had filed claims for inclusion by Monday evening, when the deadline for the Claims and Objections' round ended.

The claims and objections were earlier scheduled to be filed in August, but the Supreme Court reprimanded the NRC Coordinator and Registrar General of India for announcing the dates without the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) being approved and directed them to refrain from talking to the media.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court.

The second and complete draft of NRC was released on July 30, 2018 that included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore.

The first draft was published during the intervening nights of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 containing 1.9 crore names.&nbsp;

The process for correcting names and other particulars that appeared in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens will begin from January 2, said a notice issued by the office of NRC Assam.

The process for correcting names and other particulars that appeared in the final draft of the National Register of Citizens will begin from January 2, said a notice issued by the office of NRC Assam. According to the notice issued by NRC state coordinator, Government of Assam, "Name, etc Correction - Services for online correction of names and other particulars appearing in Draft NRC will be started from 10 am of 2/1/19. "This facility can be availed by visiting NRC Assam's website. Facility for name correction will also be available by submission of correction forms at NRC Seva Kendras (NSKs). These facilities will be available till 31/1/19," the notice stated. The process has no connection with the submission of claims and objections which got over on December 31, 2018, it said. The filing of claims and objections to decide the fate of 40 lakh people whose names were excluded from the draft list (released on July 30 last) had begun on September 25, 2018 and ended on December 15 that year. The Supreme Court had pushed the date to December 31, 2018 after the Assam government sought extension of the last date following demands for it by various local organisations. Reports appearing in a section of media claimed around 30 lakh people had filed claims for inclusion by Monday evening, when the deadline for the Claims and Objections' round ended. The claims and objections were earlier scheduled to be filed in August, but the Supreme Court reprimanded the NRC Coordinator and Registrar General of India for announcing the dates without the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) being approved and directed them to refrain from talking to the media. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated under the direct monitoring of the Supreme Court. The second and complete draft of NRC was released on July 30, 2018 that included the names of 2.9 crore people out of the total applications of 3.29 crore. The first draft was published during the intervening nights of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2018 containing 1.9 crore names.

Correction of names, particulars in Assam NRC to begin from January 2

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