People take the initiative to usher peace in Assam

All sections of society are coming forward to restore peace and harmony in Guwahati in view of the ongoing anti-Bihari violence in Assam.

"Stop violence, we want peace" is the common refrain here among all communities, political parties and various organisations.

People from both Assamese and Bihari communities are out on the streets pleading for amity and restoration of the age-old goodwill and harmony that existed between the two communities in the state. Film personalities, theatre actors, litterateurs, singers, artists, professionals, including lawyers, doctors, engineers, journalists, social workers, are taking out peace processions.

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A large number of Biharis who have settled in Assam for generations, adopted the local language and even married into the Assamese community are pleading with their migrant brethren to restrain themselves and also remain in the state.

Students, who have been in the forefront of all agitations for the cause of the state, are regularly taking out peace processions demanding a violence-free Assam.

All Assam Students Union, the apex student's body, organised a statewide silent procession on Monday calling for a halt of the ongoing violence. Its volunteers are moving about in Bihari-dominated areas reassuring them about their security.

Echoes of these peace initiatives could be heard in Delhi too with students from the Northeast and other states taking out a peace march on Tuesday from the Delhi University. It was organised by the Delhi University Students Union, Assamese Students Association of Delhi and National Students Union of India.

Meanwhile, the government has set up peace committees comprising members of all communities, political and other organisations to maintain peace and scuttle attempts by both militants and miscreants from taking advantage of the situation.

Since November 15, retaliation to the attack on Assamese train passengers in Bihar on November 11 and 12 has resulted in the death of 56 Biharis.