Guwahati: Violence marred a 12-hour Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) shutdown in Assam on Friday, called by an Adivasi organisation, as the bandh supporters torched vehicles and government office.
The Adivasi National Confederation had given the bandh call against government’s anti-encroachment drive in Chirang district of BTC.
Reports received here said bandh supporters torched six dumpers at Gossaigaon in Kokrajhar district in the morning hours.
Four picketers were arrested from the place, while the fire was brought under control by fire tenders. In another part of the same district, about 8-10 suspected Adivsai people, armed with sharp weapons, vandalized and set ablaze a seed nursery of forest department in an interior area.
As local people spotted the flames and smoke, they rushed to the office, prompting the armed men to flee.
Reports further said bandh supporters intimidated people in different parts of BTC, forcing the people to remain indoors. Commercial and educational institutes remained closed and vehicles also kept off the roads.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, talking to reporters at Dibrugarh, appealed for peace and restraint.
He said the government was ensuring that the violence does not escalate and urged the people to maintain calm and peace. (UNI)
