Assam bandh evokes mixed response in Kokrajhar

Correspondents

Kokrajhar: The 12-hour Assam bandh call given by Coordination Committee of Tribal Organization, Assam (CCTOA) and supported by ABSU in protest against the centre’s move to grant ST status to six communities of Assam passed off peacefully with total response in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts on Friday.

The bandh evoked total response in Kokrajhar as supporters of bandh and activists of various organizations restricted the movement of all kinds of vehicles and markets in every nook and corner. All markets, shops and business establishments remained closed while government offices were seen deserted look. The educational institutions were also affected during the Bandh while all kinds of vehicles went off the road.

The activists and supporters of bandh kept strict vigilant in every important locations and markets. They also burnt tyres in certain places but did not damage the properties and physical harm to any persons.

In Chirang district also, the bandh hit the normal life hard. The normal function of Bongaigaon Refinery is reportedly affected as hundreds of workers and employees were restricted by the bandh supporters. For disobeying the call, a truck was reportedly pelted stone at Dhaligaon in Chirang. However, no untoward incident was reported in any part of the district in Kokrajhar.

TANGLA: The 12 hour Statewide bandh called by the Co-ordination Committee of the Tribal Organizations of Assam in protest of government’s move to accord ST status to six communities of Assam evoked full response in entire Udalguri district on Friday.

The bandh brought the normal life to a standstill as the business establishments during the eve of Magh Bihu remained downshutter. The commercial and private vehicles remained off the road causing trouble to commuters. The places like Khoirabari, Paneri, Tangla, Bhergaon, Dimakuchi, Kalaigaon, Udalguri, Rowta, Orang, Mazbat also evoked full response. With low attendence of the govt. offices, the worst affected was Tangla weekly market on the eve of Magh Bihu. The people of Tangla town expressed great resentment for not being able to buy Bihu related items.

Dhekiajuli: The 12 hour Assam bandh called by the six ethnic groups- Ahoms, Marans, Muttocks, Chutiyas, Koch-Rajbongshis and Tea Tribes Communities passed off peacefully in Dhekiajuli on Friday. The bandh was total in Dhekiajuli sub division. All business establishments, commercial establishments, banks, post offices, private and government educational institutions remained closed.

However on-going examinations of K K Handiqui State Open University and D.El.Ed examinations under SCERT at LOKD College, Dhekiajuli were held as per schedule on Friday. All commercial and private motor vehicles including loaded and unloaded trucks were off the road. Some other parts of the Dhekiajuli Sub Division like Thelamara, Rakhyasmari, Sirajuli, Borsola, Singri and Alisinga evoked complete response to the bandh. However no untowards incidents have been reported from any part of the Dhekiajuli sub division.

JORHAT: 12-hour Assam bandh called by Co-ordination committee of the Tribal Organizations of Assam evoked mixed response in Jorhat.

During early morning hours, the movement of long and short distance vehicles remained off the road. Ferry services between Neematighat to Majuli were suspended.

Moreover four protesters were arrested by Jorhat police as they were setting empty tyres on fire at NH 37 Jorhat bypass. They were detained for the day and were released by the police, Hemen Das, Office incharge of Jorhat Sadar Police Station said here today.

Also Read: Tribal Organisations call for 24-hour Assam Bandh on January 11