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.
Islamabad, The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad has issued a weather alert predicting widespread rain and thunderstorms across Pakistan, attributed to an incoming westerly wave affecting various regions from March 9th onwards. The forecast anticipates significant precipitation, potential flash flooding, and disruptions, particularly in northern and western areas, necessitating preparedness and caution among residents and authorities.
According to National Weather Forecasting Centre – Islamabad, the westerly wave is expected to impact Balochistan starting March 9th, extending to the upper parts of the country by March 11th, followed by another wave on March 12th. In Balochistan, heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted, with potential heavy falls in cities like Turbat, Gwadar, and Quetta, escalating to snowfall in northern highlands through March 13th.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is set to experience similar weather conditions, with rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snow over its hills, particularly impacting regions like Waziristan, Kohat, and Swat from March 10th to 14th. The forecast also warns of heavy falls and hailstorms around March 13th and 14th.
In Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir, precipitation is expected to start from March 11th, bringing rain, wind, thunderstorms, and significant snowfall over the hills, extending till March 15th. Punjab, including Islamabad, will face rain and thunderstorms with a few heavy falls, especially in areas like Murree and Galliyat from March 11th to 14th, while Sindh is expected to have scattered rain, particularly in its northern districts.
The weather advisory highlights possible impacts such as flash flooding in local nullahs, road closures in hilly areas, landslides in susceptible regions, and damage to loose structures from wind-thunderstorm/hailstorm activities. Authorities and the public are urged to remain alert, with specific advice for tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and farmers to protect their crops during this period.
This comprehensive forecast and advisory underscore the need for heightened awareness and preparedness across Pakistan to mitigate potential risks associated with the anticipated adverse weather conditions.