'Bandh' over ULFA's mother death paralyses Assam

Guwahati, Sep 11 (UNI) A 'bandh' called by ULFA in protest against the death of a ULFA militant's aged mother, allegedly at the hands of security personnel on Friday night at Naomati in Nalbari district of lower Assam, brought the entire district to a standstill today.

The controvery surrounding the death of Sabitri Rajbonshi (60) was also being echoed in the political corridors of the state.

The 12-hour 'bandh' evoked complete response, particularly in the militancy-dominated pockets, police said. However, no untoward incident had been reported so far, they added.

The death of Sabitri Rajbonshi, mother of ULFA militant Bhaskar Rajbonshi, after being allegedly hit by rifle butts by the CRPF and police jawans while trying to protect her daughter-in-law on Friday night, has sparked criticism against the state government.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi ordered the lower Assam Deputy Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the matter after the district administration had instituted a magisterial inquiry and directed sub-divisional officer (sadar) S K Das to submit a report within seven days.

The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) filed a petition before the Assam Human Rights Commission yesterday and also called for observing Black Day tomorrow.

A 12-party conglomerate staged demonstrations against the alleged killing of Sabitri Rajbonshi here today. The main Opposition party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) had also reacted strongly against the killing, with its leaders also visiting the family in Nalbari yesterday.

Human rights' body Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) said it would take the government to the court and demanded a judicial probe, alleging that the killing was carried out on the orders of the government.

The Chief Minister, who holds the Home portfolio, has come under strident criticism from all quarters following the death of the woman.

It has also brought back memories of the infamous ''secret killings'' of the last decade in which entire families of ULFA leaders were allegedly ''killed by government-hired'' people.

UNI