Sporadic violence marks Koch – Rajbonshi’s Assam bandh

The 24 hours Assam bandh called by All Assam Koch Rajbonshi Students Union ( AKRSU) on Friday witnessed several incidents of sporadic violence in Brahmaputra valley of the state.

The ethnic students' body has called the bandh in protest against Government's failure to accord ST (Scheduled Tribe) status to Koch Rajbonshis community living in Assam . The students' body also demanded creation of Kamatapur state – the homeland of Koch Rajbonshi community by curving out some areas of Assam and West Bengal.

At Salbari in Baska district under BTC ( Bodoland Territorial Council) , clash occurred between bandh supporters and public. AKRSU activists set able tyres on road to stop vehicles' movement. Also, some Bandh supporters pelted stones on some vehicles. Later Police – CRPF brought the situation under control.

The bandh call evoked good response in western Assam. The roads wore a deserted look in most parts of the region. Educational institutes, government offices remain closed during the bandh time.

AKRSU leader Gakul Barman said, "The BJP played only political game with our issues. We will give them a fitting answer in the next election."

In protest against Government's no attention to the demands of various Koch – Rajbonshi bodies, AKRSU had announced a series of agitation. Friday's 24 hours Assam bandh is part of the series agitation launched by the ethnic students' body.