RAHA, July 16 - Normal life today came to a standstill during the 10-hour Raha bandh called by various organisations, with the local public blocking the National Highway for the entire day to protest Mintu Deuri�s death in police firing yesterday.
Several vehicles, including a van of a Guwahati-based private news channel, were damaged by the stone-pelting protesters. The district reporter of the news channel was also physically attacked by the protesters alleging that the news channel is not airing any news from Raha on the AIIMS issue. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded along the highway due to the road blockade at Raha Chariali.
Meanwhile, Rupahihat MLA Nurul Huda visited Mintu Deuri�s home this morning and consoled the victim�s family members, assuring that the issue would be taken up in the ensuing Assembly session.
On the other hand, a four-member team of legislators led by Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, who came to visit Mintu Deuri�s home, was blocked by protesters at Raha Chariali for an hour. However, after a series of discussions with the protesters, they were allowed to move towards the victim�s house.
Patowary announced a one-time assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the victim�s kin and assured a job to Deuri�s wife Rijumoni.
A delegation of the Left Democratic Manch also met the victim�s family this afternoon. Representatives of various parties and organisations condemned the police action on the protesters and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
The situation remains tense till the time of filing of this report. Additional security forces and police personnel have been deployed to prevent further violence.
