New Delhi/Assam:With the Union Cabinet on Wednesday clearing the contentious Citizenship Amendment Bill, thereby paving way for its introduction in the Rajya Sabha, All Assam Students Union's (AASU) chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya threatened to launch a "mass peaceful democratic movement" across the state.
"Throughout Assam, there will be a peaceful democratic movement because the central government has betrayed the people of Assam. Assam Accord is a national commitment, it was a tripartite agreement between the central government, Assam government and the agitators of Assam movement - AASU and AGP, " Bhattacharya told ETV Bharat while protesting against the Bill outside Assam Bhawan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
"In 1985, the historic Assam Accord was signed, it was declared from the Red Fort, it was laid in the Parliament. All political leaders, including LK Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had welcomed the accord. Now, in 2019, the BJP-led government has said that those who have entered from 1971-2014, including Hindu Bangladeshi's will get citizenship, " the former student leader.
Accusing the government of betraying Assam and it's citizens, Bhattacharya said that it is "an insult to the injury" of the people of Assam.
On AGP, an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party in the state of Assam, not protesting against the Bill this time around, the AASU adviser said, "AGP was formed solely for the purpose of implementing the Assam Accord, so they should stick to their commitment."
When asked if they agitation to the Bill is gaining ground in Assam, Bhattacharya said, "It's a mass movement throughout Assam in all villages and towns. People have expressed their resentment."
"Don't underestimate the people of Assam," threatened a visibly agitated Bhattacharya.
Drawing a parallel between Assam, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir, Bhattacharya said, "we have seen the fate in Tripura, out of 40 lakh population of the state, 12 lakh Tripuris are fighting for their identity. We cannot allow Assam to be second Tripura and second Jammu and Kashmir."
Terming the bill as "communal", Bhattacharya further stated, "In our country, citizenship cannot be decided on the basis of religion. We won't allow communalism in the state of Assam."
Also read:Will not accept CAB in any format, protest to continue: AASU