RANGIYA, May 7 � Vehicular transport was affected for nearly four hours in Lower Assam today due to a blockade of National Highway 31 and 52 called by the Non-Tribal Protection Forum in protest against the Bodo Statehood demand, reports PTI.
More than 10,000 non-tribals belonging to various districts of Lower Assam blocked the two highways at Baihata Chariali in Kamrup (Rural) district protesting against the proposed demand by the Bodos for the creation of a separate Bodoland State.
�We are opposed to the creation of a separate State for the Bodos as non-tribals feel their existence is threatened,� Forum president Nagen Deka told reporters.
�During recent months, there have been several clashes between Bodos and non-Bodos in the tribal-dominated districts and we urge the government to provide us security as we do not feel safe in this environment�, Deka said.
The blockade was lifted this noon and the protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the district administration.
Vehicles were left stranded along the two National Highways for nearly four hours as a result.
