ULFA's Assam bandh total and peaceful

Guwahati, Feb 19 (UNI) The 12-hour ULFA-sponsored Assam bandh evoked a complete response with no violence reported from anywhere in the state.

The banned outfit had called the bandh demanding release of jailed human rights activist Lachit Bordoloi for his alleged links with the ULFA and involvement with the foiled plane hijack plan of the outfit.

The ULFA had denied any plans to hijack an aircraft.

The bandh was total in the Brahmaputra valley, especially in the upper Assam districts where the ULFA has a stronghold. However, the Barak valley functioned normally as ULFA bandhs seldom evoke any response in that part of the state.

In state capital Guwahati, a few private and government-run vehicles were seen on the roads, with the public transport system, both short and long distance, completely off the roads.

Train and air traffic were, however, not affected by the bandh.

Business organisations, banking and educational institutions mostly remained closed.

Attendance in government offices was also less, though the government had issued orders yesterday instructing normal functioning during the bandh.

No reports of bandh-related violence had been received so far.

UNI SG PL PK RS1818