Activists of the Jorhat units of the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, All Tai Ahom Students’ Union and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad staged a protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, in front of Kaziranga University here on Sunday when Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal arrived at the university to attend its 5th convocation.

Police rounded up the protesters who were shouting slogans with black flags on National Highway 37 at Khoraikhowa. The protests intensified soon after the chief minister landed on the university ground on a helicopter.

The police picked up nearly 100 activists who were later released. Boxing legend M.C. Mary Kom was the guest of honour at the event.

Sonowal in his speech praised Mary Kom for her achievements despite having to struggle throughout her life. He said, “Students should look up to Mary Kom as an idol and remember that hard work and perseverance always pay off.” He added that India has 80 crore youths who should turn the country into a “strong nation”. The chief minister asked them to pursue their dreams with dedication.

Mary Kom said students of the university have the potential to shine in different sport disciplines. She added that colleges and universities should encourage students who excel in sports.

Forest man Jadav Payeng and 2008 Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra were awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the university.

Degrees were awarded to nearly 405 students at the event.