Shah to lay 2nd assembly complex foundation in Dibrugarh today

Guwahati/Dibrugarh: Union home minister Amit Shah will arrive in Dibrugarh on Thursday for a two-day visit to Assam, his second trip to the poll-bound state since last month, and will lay the foundation stone for the second complex of the assembly.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday Shah will attend scheduled programmes on Jan 30, including a visit to neighbouring Dhemaji district for a cultural festival, before travelling to Guwahati for political discussions at the BJP headquarters.


“Union home minister will arrive in Assam on Jan 29 and will stay in Dibrugarh during the night. On Jan 30, he will lay the foundation stone of the second complex of the Assam Legislative Assembly in Dibrugarh. There are several other programmes, after attending which he will come to Dhemaji to participate in the Mising cultural festival,” Sarma said.

“At the state BJP headquarters, he will take part in political discussions and will fly to West Bengal at 7pm,” the CM added.

Ahead of the visit, the Dibrugarh district administration imposed a ban on the operation of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in sensitive areas, citing security concerns. The prohibition order was issued on Wednesday by additional district magistrate Pranjal Boruah.

“The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, commonly known as drones, poses a potential threat to public safety, security, and law and order. Circumstances exist which necessitate immediate preventive measures to avoid disturbance to public tranquillity and safety of life and property,” said Boruah in the official order.

Issued under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the order prohibits the flying, operation or use of any UAVs or drones, including commercial and recreational devices, within a 2km radius of Khanikar Field in Dibrugarh, the temporary helipad at Manohari Tea Estate Playground, and the temporary helipad at Hiloidhari Field.

The ban will remain in effect from 6am on Jan 29 to 6pm on Jan 30, unless withdrawn earlier. Violations will attract penal action under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023, and other relevant provisions of law.

The order exempts drones and UAVs operated by govt agencies, law enforcement authorities or emergency services, provided prior permission is obtained from the additional district magistrate or an authorised officer.

The district administration directed the senior superintendent of police, Dibrugarh, to ensure strict enforcement as security arrangements are tightened for the high-profile visit.

Shah last visited Assam on Dec 29.