Parts of Assam paralysed by 12-hour shutdown

Normal life was hit in parts of Kamrup and Bongaigaon districts in Assam today by a 12-hour bandh called by a minority organisation.

The protesters halted traffic by placing burning tyres on the National Highway 31, official sources said.

Burning tyres were also placed in the Hatigaon area in Guwahati, the sources said.

Stones were pelted on a truck injuring its driver near Jogigopa in Bongaigaon district.

Altogether 15 picketers were picked up by the police there.

Shops, markets, educational institutions, banks and post offices remained closed in Kamrup district's minority dominated Rangia, Kampalpur, Nagarbera and Goroimari areas.

Government offices were open, but employees did not report for work, the sources said.

The bandh was called by the Goriya Moriya Desi Jatiya Parishad in protest against the nomination of Sanjay Sinh by the Congress for the Rajya Sabha seat from Assam.

They questioned why a suitable candidate could not be found in the state instead of bringing someone from Uttar Pradesh to represent Assam in the Upper House.