12-hour bandh in Assam affects normal life in three districts

A 12-hour Barak bandh in south Assam affected normal life in the three districts of the region on Thursday, official sources said. The bandh was called by the Hindustan Paper Corporation (HPC) Paper Mills Revival Action Committee demanding the revival of its paper mills in the state.

Two mills of the HPC, a Central PSU, at Panchgram and Jagiroad have not been functioning for two years with the employees claiming they have not received their salaries during the period. The bandh was peaceful by and large, the sources said.

Most shops, markets, commercial establishments, educational institutions, petrol depots, banks and private offices remained closed in the districts of Hailakandi, Cachar and Karimganj, the sources said.

However, government offices were open and attendance was near normal at the deputy commissioner's office in the three districts. Only a few vehicles plied on the roads, the sources added.

In Hailakandi district, bandh supporters brought out processions in Panchgram and other areas and put up blockades at the National Highway at other points before the police and CRPF personnel dispersed them, the sources said.

The picketers also attempted to stop a train for some time at Panchgram station and several activists including local MLA Nizamuddin Choudhury were taken into custody by the police.