Bandh against Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 revoked total response in Assam

GUWAHATI: Assam witnessed a total shutdown on Tuesday following the bandh called by 60 organisations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, despite the government’s strict diktat to foil the same.

Except for Barak valley districts, there was a complete shutdown across Assam. Attendance in government offices was thin although the government had issued directives to employees to report for duty on Tuesday.

Likewise, most business establishments remained closed despite the government’s warning that the trade licences of those who failed to keep these open would be cancelled.


Vehicles remained off the road in most districts. Several bandh supporters were detained following orders by the deputy commissioners and Superintendent of Police to arrest such elements. Highways were blocked by supporters who burned tyres. In some places, stones were pelted on vehicles.

Hinting at minority organisations supporting the bandh, Assam BJP president Ranjit Kumar Dass said, “The bandh was total in minority-dominated areas, it is unprecedented as even during the Assam movement these areas never witnessed a shutdown.”

Peasant organisation Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) is one of the organisations which called for the 12-hour bandh. KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi thanked the people for making the bandh a success.