Blockade in Diphu halts rail services

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

DIPHU, 30 May: Train services were disrupted today following a rail blockade staged by different organizations in Diphu protesting the decision of the Central government to grant ST (Hills) status to the people belonging to Bodo community living in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. The Congress-ruled KAAC, HSDC, CPI (ML), various students’ organisations, Dimasa organizations and other organizations of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao district jointly undertook a 12-hour rail blockage programme at Diphu following which the train services came to a standstill in Diphu town in Karbi Anglong today. The protesters lifted the blockade at 11.15 am only after getting assurance from the Chief Minister that he would hold talk with the protesters on the issue. Ja Satabdi Express, Guwahati-Mariani Express, Rangia -Dibrugarah Express, Lumding -Tinsukia Express and a number of other trains have been cancelled and some other trains were regulated.