GUWAHATI: Apprehending possible unrest ahead of the publication of the draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the state government has sought at least 50 companies of central paramilitary forces (CPMF) for maintaining law and order across the state.
At present, police are busy mapping sensitive points where there are chances of possible trouble. The state police, along with CPMF personnel, will primarily focus on maintaining law and order in the state.
The move comes in the wake of chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal's request to the Centre to take steps to ensure peace in the state during the NRC draft publication. Sonowal warned of stern action against those trying to derail the NRC update process.
ADGP (SB) Pallab Bhattacharya said, "We have requested the Army to help in counter-insurgency operations so that police, along with CPMF personnel, can concentrate on maintaining law and order. There are several sensitive areas and NRC kendras where tension may brew over the publication of NRC draft."
Altogether, 22 districts have been marked 'vulnerable' and 'trouble-prone'. These include Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Darrang, Udalguri, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.
In 2010, at least four people were killed and over 50 others were injured in a clash between police and protesters who were trying to stall government proceedings to update the NRC in Barpeta. This halted the process thereafter.
Bhattacharya said police have raised awareness on NRC draft in these districts in association with the district administration and several NGOs. "Special drives are on to instil a sense of security among locals in these areas. Assam Police have urged everyone to reach out to us if they have any doubt," he said.
Sources said some CPMF companies have already reached the state. Though the NRC draft was slated to be published by December 31, the Registrar General of India submitted before the apex court that the entire process of preparation and publication of the draft would be completed on or before July 31 next year.
At present, police are busy mapping sensitive points where there are chances of possible trouble. The state police, along with CPMF personnel, will primarily focus on maintaining law and order in the state.
The move comes in the wake of chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal's request to the Centre to take steps to ensure peace in the state during the NRC draft publication. Sonowal warned of stern action against those trying to derail the NRC update process.
ADGP (SB) Pallab Bhattacharya said, "We have requested the Army to help in counter-insurgency operations so that police, along with CPMF personnel, can concentrate on maintaining law and order. There are several sensitive areas and NRC kendras where tension may brew over the publication of NRC draft."
Altogether, 22 districts have been marked 'vulnerable' and 'trouble-prone'. These include Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Darrang, Udalguri, Dhemaji, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.
In 2010, at least four people were killed and over 50 others were injured in a clash between police and protesters who were trying to stall government proceedings to update the NRC in Barpeta. This halted the process thereafter.
Bhattacharya said police have raised awareness on NRC draft in these districts in association with the district administration and several NGOs. "Special drives are on to instil a sense of security among locals in these areas. Assam Police have urged everyone to reach out to us if they have any doubt," he said.
Sources said some CPMF companies have already reached the state. Though the NRC draft was slated to be published by December 31, the Registrar General of India submitted before the apex court that the entire process of preparation and publication of the draft would be completed on or before July 31 next year.
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