Nationwide strike hits Assam; flights cancelled

Guwahati, Aug 20 (UNI) Air and train services were hit and life was disrupted in Assam by the All India Trade Union-sponsored 24-hour general nationwide strike today.

All flights to Kolkata, including an Indian Airlines flight and two Jet Airways, were cancelled, besides another Indian Airlines flight to Dibrugarh in eastern Assam.

Train services were also hit as picketers attempted to block movement at several places, including Rangiya, Coocbehar and New Jalpaiguri.

However, no trains were cancelled, though many were running behind scheduled time.

Picketers also staged a demonstration at the Northeastern Frontier Railway headquarter here in the morning.

A parallel ''chakka jam'', called by the state unit of the All India Road Transport Workers' Federation, paralysed the road transport network across the state.

All commercial vehicles remained off the roads with only few government-run buses seen operating, including in the capital city Guwahati.

Business establishments remained closed with most educational institutions also forced to declare holiday in the absence of transportation.

Attendance at government offices was also reported to be thin.

UNI SG SJC RL AS1621