Guwahati/Patna: The governments of Bihar and Assam on Monday announced that they will release individuals detained during recent student protests and withdraw legal cases registered in connection with the demonstrations.

The announcements came amid continued unrest despite an agreement between the Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), with protesters reiterating their demand for the release of those arrested and an end to legal proceedings against them.

In Bihar, the Home Department issued a press release assuring that detainees would be released and legal action would not continue against those involved in the protests. The move follows the arrest of more than 300 students over the weekend. The protests had intensified after reports emerged that an AK-47 rifle was allegedly used by a police officer during last week’s crackdown.

In a separate statement, the Assam government said five cases had been registered in connection with the protests, leading to the arrest of 13 people.

The government stated that it “will not initiate any legal action against those involved in the protests” and that the withdrawal of the registered cases would be initiated promptly in accordance with the law. It also said the process of releasing those arrested would begin expeditiously.

The statement further noted that the government does not intend to take any further adverse action against individuals involved in the protests and that the matter would be treated as closed without any future proceedings.