Activists stage a demonstration in Assam demanding statehood
A 60-hour long Assam Bandh began this morning as the demand for Bodoland state intensifies after the Centre's announcement on Telangana. Road and rail traffic is expected to be severely affected, particularly in lower Assam's Bodo tribe dominated districts.
Hundreds of Bodoland supporters were seen squatting on the National Highway in Rowta in Udalguri district, which is the main focal point of the bandh, enforced by All Bodo Students Union.
There were no immediate reports of any major affect of the agitation in Kokrajhar, the headquarters of the Bodoland Territorial Council and the sole entry and exit point for trains in and out of the northeast.
However, some other stations have been affected, with long-distance trains being diverted.
The bandh is the latest in a series of agitations in the past week, including a rail roko and a massive rally yesterday, pressing for statehood.
Currently, four Assam districts -- Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang and Udalguri are governed by the autonomous council having wide-ranging powers. It was formed more than a decade ago after the government negotiated with insurgent groups in the area.
The Assam Police and paramilitary forces are deployed in all sensitive areas to prevent any violence. Many extra companies of forces have also been pressed in the area.
Meanwhile, in Assam 's Karbi Anglong district, the bandh called for a separate state for the Karbi tribe, ended yesterday.
Train services, hampered since the violence started, have been partially resumed at Diphu, the district headquarters of Karbi Anglong.
17 companies of paramilitary forces are currently deployed at Karbi Anglong with the Army carrying out flag marches and patrols in the area.