Protests Reignite in Assam Against CAA During Modi’s Visit

Guwahati, As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his visit to Assam, protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) have resurfaced, signaling persistent opposition to the legislation deemed discriminatory by many. The United Opposition Forum, Assam (UOFA), comprising 16 opposition parties, organized a demonstration to voice their discontent, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the Act’s implications for regional identity and harmony.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the UOFA’s protest took place near Kaziranga, coinciding with Modi’s overnight stay in the region. The gathering underscored the enduring resistance to the CAA, which has been a source of contention since its inception, particularly in Assam where it is feared to undermine the cultural and demographic fabric of the state.

UOFA spokesperson Akhil Gogoi emphasized the threat posed by the CAA to the Assamese identity, vowing continued opposition. The sentiment was echoed by state Congress leaders, including Bhupen Kumar Borah and Debabrata Saikia, who asserted the determination to sustain protests despite potential government pushback.

The CAA, which prioritizes citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from neighboring countries, has been criticized for introducing a religious criterion that contradicts the secular tenets of India’s constitution. Its impending implementation, as indicated by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, has rekindled anxieties and mobilized various groups, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), to protest.

The AASU has announced further actions, including a 12-hour hunger strike across district headquarters, as part of a broader campaign to challenge the CAA and its perceived assault on Assamese identity. This resurgence of protest activity harks back to the intense demonstrations that rocked Assam in 2019 when the CAA was passed, marking a pivotal moment of civil unrest and political discord in the state’s recent history.

These developments during Modi’s visit illustrate the ongoing tension and division surrounding the CAA in Assam, spotlighting the broader national debate over citizenship, secularism, and regional autonomy.

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