Dibrugarh: Normal life was significantly affected across Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts on Friday as a 48-hour shutdown called by Moran and Motok community organisations began early in the morning, disrupting transportation, commercial activities and public movement.
The shutdown, spearheaded by the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU), the All Assam Motok Youth Students’ Association (AAMYSA) and several allied organisations, commenced at 5 am in protest against the exclusion of Moran and Motok representatives from the recently expanded Assam Cabinet and the continued delay in granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the two indigenous communities.
Protesters staged demonstrations at several locations, with one of the major gatherings taking place at Rupai Siding–Kakopathar Tini Ali in Tinsukia district. Demonstrators burned tyres on the road and briefly obstructed vehicular movement, leading to traffic disruptions and heightened security arrangements in the area.
The impact of the shutdown was visible across both districts. Most business establishments remained closed, public transport services operated sparingly, and major roads witnessed significantly lower traffic than usual. Educational institutions and routine commercial activities were also affected in several areas.
To maintain law and order, security personnel were deployed at strategic and sensitive locations across the two districts. Authorities kept a close watch on the situation to prevent any untoward incidents during the course of the agitation.
Although emergency and essential services were exempted from the shutdown, daily life and economic activities suffered considerable disruption as residents adjusted to the bandh.
Leaders of the protesting organisations reiterated their demand for constitutional recognition and adequate political representation, warning that the agitation could be intensified if the government failed to address their longstanding concerns.
“We want ST status for our community, which was promised before the elections. The government is not working seriously to provide ST status to the community. If the government fails to do so, we will have to intensify our movement,” a protester said.
The shutdown is scheduled to continue for 48 hours, with the situation being closely monitored by the district administrations of both Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
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