24-hours Assam Bandh: 30 protesters arrested in Jagiroad

Guwahati: As per the Assam Bandh call made by the Coordination Committee of the Tribal Organisations of Assam (CCTOA), the state experiences suspension in its daily routines in many parts of it. However, Guwahati city remained aloof from the influences of Bandh. The places that felt the most of the influences of the Assam Bandh call are the places with tribal inhabitants like those of Jagiroad, Morigaon, BTC and so on. The bandh has been called as a protest against the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Bill, 2019 for 24 hours.

The protesters across the state marked their protest against the grant of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six ethnic communities by burning tyres and blocking the roads, especially the National Highways by keeping tree trunks on roads.

The latest update on the Bandh is that as many as 30 supporters of the Assam Bandh have been arrested by the police. Notably, the protesters in Jagiroad had opted for a violent protest by creating a ruckus and blocking the National Highway. The violence opted by the protesters led to the suspension of hundreds of vehicles on the road along with also scarring the commuters and the general public.

The violence taking place on the National Highway in Jagiroad compelled the police to arrest the protesters. Moreover, an additional team of police forces has also been deployed to prevent the protesters from creating any untoward situation.

The protesters, through the Assam bandh call, have marked their opposition against BJP government’s move to pass the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Bill, 2019. If this Bill gets passed then six communities from Assam including Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak and tea tribes will obtain ST status.

Notably, it was in the wake of the burning situation in Assam and the north-eastern states going vocal against the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016; the union government tried to console the indigenous people in Assam by announcing the grant of ST status to six communities in the state. However, this has only deteriorated the situation in the state as the indigenous people and local organizations have come forth protesting the granting for the ST status as well.

The Assam Bandh, as called for by the tribal organizations, would be from 5 AM of January 11, 2019 until 24 hours. The six ethnic groups which are being considered for granting ST status by the central government are – Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Communities.

The tribal organization is of this opinion that by providing Scheduled Tribe status to the communities, the Central and State governments are trying to eliminate the genuine tribal people of the State.

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