36 Hour Karbi Anglong Bandh: Student leader's arrest triggers widespread protest in the district

Bokajan: Student activists representing various organisation disrupted normal life by restricting vehicular traffic and suspending business operations throughout the hill district of Karbi Anglong on Sunday.

The Karbi Students Association (KSA) had called to observe a 36-hour bandh in the district to protest against the unconstitutional arrest of its President Simeon Rongphar. The organisation also demanded the unconditional release of Simeon failing which may lead to law and order situation in the hill district of Karbi Anglong. The bandh call is supported by 16 other indigenous organisation pledging their uniform cause of the Karbi statehood demand.

Rongphar was arrested on Saturday by Diphu police for allegedly passing derogatory remarks against KAAC CEM Tuliram Ronghang and uploading it in Facebook. The arrest was made following an FIR lodged by the CEM's brother Robiram Ronghang alleging that Simeon had passed some abusive derogatory remarks against the CEM in a public meeting at Semson Sing Ingti Memorial park at Diphu on December 11.

Meanwhile, protesters targeted vehicles, business establishment and observed a total shutdown throughout the district. Many student activists also urged shopkeepers to keep their shops closed and voluntarily support their cause.

Over a 100 picketers were detained by Karbi Anglong police from various places along the district. The bandh clamped a deserted look over the streets beside affecting school, colleges and government offices in the district.

It is to be noted that Simeon Rongphar, President, Karbi Student Association (KSA) was arrested by Diphu police for allegedly criticising Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council(KAAC) Chief Executive Member(CEM) Tuliram Ronghang in a public meeting and thereby uploading it in social media platforms on Saturday. Rongphar had also allegedly used abusive words against the CEM.

Following this, KSA and several other organisations including Student for Youth Justice (SYJ), Students Youth Council (SYC), All India Student Association (AISA) and others have called for a 36 hour bandh in protest against the unconstitutional arrest of the student leader. The organizations also demanded the immediate release of Simeon failing which may lead to law and order situation in the hill district.