Anti-CAB protests: Petrol pumps closed in Assam's Dibrugarh

People residing in Dibrugarh city are facing trouble as not only the shops but also the petrol pumps have been closed from the past two days to stage the protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019.

To protest against the passage of Citizenship (Amendment) Bill by Rajya Sabha, many districts in Assam on Monday observed a 12 hour-shutdown and demonstrations were held in several cities of the state.

"My mom and wife are sick. I want fuel for my car. I do not know what to do. I am facing trouble...the government at least must open the petrol pumps for a few hours," said a local.

Yesterday, in Golaghat, some locals protested half-naked against the bill. Later, police resorted to lathi-charge in order to disperse the crowd.

Security forces have been deployed in many areas to keep the situation under control and avoid any untoward situation.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghstan. Union Home Minister Amit Shah today introduced the bill in Lok Sabha.

The Citizenship Amend Bill, 2019 was introduced after a division with 293 members voting in favor of the bill and 82 against it.

Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.

It is important to note that the Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in the Centre.

( With inputs from ANI )