Normal life hit by 12-hour strike in Assam

Normal life was thrown out of gear in Upper Assam today, due to a state-wide 12-hour strike called by six communities demanding ST status.

A joint platform of 'Moran', 'Muttock', 'Tai-Ahom', 'Koch-Rajbongshi', 'Sootea' and Tea-Tribes communities called for a 48-hour Assam bandh from 5 am, but later reduced it to 12 hours, considering the ongoing update work of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and examinations of students.

Supporters from these six communities staged protests, brunt tyres on highways and shouted slogans against the state and Central governments, officials said.

Vehicular traffic was disrupted at many places, while a minor scuffle broke out in Golaghat, when police tried to clear a road blocked by the protesters, they said.

Although emergency services were operational, shops, banks and other business establishments remained shut. Government offices were open, but with thin attendance.

The impact of the strike was mostly felt in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Sonitpur, Bongaigaon and Morigaon districts, the officials said.

Protesters burnt tyres on the streets at Dergaon, Kaziranga, Bokajan, Dhekiajuli, Numaligarh, Chabua, Sonari and Amguri.

Ferry services to and from four destinations in the river island Majuli were also shut since early morning, they added.