The Assam government has faced huge loses following the violent clashes against the newly enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA).

The state is witnessing one of the worst violent protests in its history. Rail stations, a post office, a bank, a bus terminus, shops, several vehicles and other public properties have been either set ablaze or ransacked. Four people have been killed in police firing so far, while an oil tanker driver was charred to death when his vehicle was set on fire in Orang.

Thousands of seething protesters defied the curfew in Guwahati and took to the streets against the CAA, prompting police to open fire. The Guwahati-Shillong (GS) Road had turned into a veritable war zone as protesters vandalised shops and buildings, damaged road divider railings, defaced newly-painted walls, burnt tyres and clashed with security forces.

After the Rajya Sabha passed the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill on December 11th, 2019 night, the state erupted in violent protests. The agitators fought pitched battles with the security personnel in almost every district of the state, forcing the administration to impose curfew and suspend internet services.

The agitations have hit the tourism sector and the positive investment outlook in the state. While addressing the media in Guwahati on December 18th, 2019, Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, “A Norway-based company was keen us to invest Rs 2,000 crore in Assam. Following the outbreak of protests, they called and enquired whether it is safe to invest. We requested them to invest in the state as there is no issue.”

He added, “We already have 22 lakh unemployed youths. If the investment atmosphere in the state deteriorates, employment generation will be a huge issue.”

The Minister said that the state has received investment proposals from companies from four more countries. “We have received a commitment for Rs 58,000 crore investment,” he said.

Photo: Time8