Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Speaking to ANI, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said large crowds had gathered in the district over the past two days and tension had risen after misinformation spread about the health of a protest leader.
“A huge crowd has gathered here since yesterday. I met the protesters and spoke to them. Last night, their leader was taken to Guwahati for a medical checkup as doctors felt his health was deteriorating due to the hunger strike, but misinformation was spread that he was being arrested,” Singh told ANI.
He said the protesters attempted to capture a bridge on Tuesday, December 23, and when they were stopped, they attacked police personnel.
“Today, they tried to capture the bridge and when we tried to stop them, they attacked us. Crude bombs and stones were thrown. I was attacked with bows and arrows,” the DGP said.
According to Singh, many shops were set on fire during the violence and at least 48 policemen have been injured so far.
Also read: PM Modi unveils ₹10,601 crore fertilizer plant in Assam, unit to be operational by 2030
“They have burnt shops and so far 48 policemen have been injured. The government is talking to them and a date has been fixed. The Chief Minister has given them a date, after which the hunger strike has been called off,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong and expressed grief over the deaths during the unrest. In a post on Twitter, Sarma said it was “deeply painful that two people lost their lives during today’s unrest,” adding that additional security forces would be deployed in Kherani to maintain peace. He said that the government is in constant touch with all concerned parties to restore normalcy and resolve the issues through dialogue, and assured that the government will stand with all the affected families and provide all necessary assistance.
Urging the protesters to maintain peace, Singh said violence would not help resolve the issue and warned of strict action against those indulging in vandalism.
He said, “I want to send a message that the protesters should stop. They are not going to gain anything by doing so. The government is ready to find a solution. Nobody gets anything from violence. We have all the videos and faces and we will take legal action.”
Officials said the internet ban will continue until the law and order situation improves in the districts.