Oppn-sponsored Assam bandh disrupts life

Guwahati, Aug 14: Life was disrupted throughout Assam today due to the Opposition-sponsored bandh to protest the ongoing violence against Hindi-speaking people.

The 12-hour bandh call given by all opposition parties, except the BJP and AGP, evoked complete response as all activities came to a grinding halt.

The markets were closed, there were no vehicles on the road, private offices remained closed and there was very little presence in the state government offices.

''It only signifies how much the people hate militancy and how much they are opposed to the soft stance taken by the state government,'' former Assam Chief Minister and AGP(P) president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said.

Last night was relatively peaceful in the worst affected Karbi Anglong district where the army increased their vigilance after the state police failed to bring the situation under control.

Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal was scheduled to visit Karbi Anglong today and also review a security meeting with the para-military forces as well as civil authorities where a delegation from the Union Home Ministry would also participate.

Mr Jaiswal's visit comes a day after a Union Home Ministry team, led by special secretary (internal security) M L Kumawat, reached Guwahati only to hear about more killings in Karbi Anglong by the Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF).

Besides Mr Kumawat, the directors-general of the BSF and CRPF were part of the team.

Except the Barak valley, the Assam bandh was effective in all other parts of the state, sources said.

It also affected train and flight schedules.

UNI