Bandh called by 60 organisations affects Brahmaputra Valley, 20 arrested in Hailakandi

60 different independent organisations in Assam had called for a 12-hour Assam bandh today to mark their protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. The bandh has affected Brahmaputra Valley and Hailakandi district in Barak Valley, however, it is business as usual in Silchar and Karimganj.

Banks, office, courts, schools are functioning normally in Silchar. Shops and road transportation also did not see any hindrance through the day. In fact, many residents of Silchar aren’t even aware of the “Assam Bandh”.

In Karimganj too, people are busy with their daily routine. Hailakandi is the only district in Barak Valley where tremors of the Bandh is felt. As per latest reports, 20 protesters were arrested by Lala Police for staging a rail roko and stopping one of the passenger train heading towards Silchar.

On the other hand, the government’s attempt to stop the strike has failed. The organisations, as assured, managed to bring life to a standstill in Brahmaputra Valley. Tires were burnt on the roads in capital Guwahati to block the roads. Attempts of blocking railway services are also been made in various locations. Despite Government’s strict order to report to duty, offices and government institutions are almost empty. Cadres of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and Assam Jatiotabadi Jubo Chatro Porishad have volunteered in support of the bandh and working hard to make it a success. Some of them have already been arrested.