SILCHAR, July 30� The 12-hour Barak Valley bandh, called by the Patibadi Gana Mancha from 5 am today evoked total response in the entire valley.
The bandh was in protest against the alleged harassment of D voters, and to pressurise the government on their other five-point demands.
Though 50 picketers were held by the police in different places, the bandh was generally peaceful. The bandh was supported by many organisations, including, AUDF, CPI, CPM, Bajrang Dal, Bar Association, various business organisations, bus, truck, sumo and taxi associations, student body, various NGOs among others.
All the shops were closed in the valley. The three districts wore a deserted look throughout the day with almost all government offices, education institutions, banks, business establishments remaining closed. The roads were also mostly empty with only a few motor cycles, auto-rickshaws and rickshaws venturing out. Public transport was totally absent. Long distance bus services were cancelled during the day, while NF Railway official said that train services were disrupted too.
Sankar Dey, coordinator, Patibadi Gana Mancha, said thousand of people, including women, came out in the streets to support the bandh. He further said that if both Central and State Governments do not solve the problems within August 15, the Mancha may go for another bandh.
Our Hailakandi Correspondent adds: The 12-hour bandh passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported from the three districts of the valley during bandh hours.
The six-point charter of demands of the organization included the cancellation of the entire process of D voter issue, preparation of national register for citizens in Barak valley, ensure constitutional safeguard to all citizens of Barak Valley, government recognition to martyrs of Barak Valley and to stop the discrimination towards Barak Valley.
Our Badarpur correspondent adds: Life in Badarpur was completely paralysed during the bandh period, with all educational institutions, shops and markets, business and financial institutions and government offices remaining closed throughout the day. Even railway services were also affected. There were, however, no report of any untoward incident from the three districts of the valley. Special security measures were in place to maintain law-and-order situation.
