Indefinite curfew, 48-hr bandh cripples life in Dima Hasao

The indefinite curfew and a 48-hour bandh, following the death of two persons in police firing on Thursday, threw life out of gear in Dima Hasao district of Assam on Saturday.

"The curfew (imposed on Friday) is still on. It is uncertain if it will be called off tomorrow as the situation is still tense, although no new untoward incident took place in the last 24 hours," a senior government official said.

Two persons died after police opened fire on people protesting against a reported Naga Peace Accord draft released by the RSS in Maibang on January 25.

Following the violence at Maibang, a number of groups called a 48-hour Dima Hasao bandh, demanding a written statement from the government on the proposed Nagalim issue.

Passengers stranded

Meanwhile, stranded passengers in New Haflong Railway station vandalised properties alleging lack of facilities and no option to reach their destinations.

In Guwahati, Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary claimed that government has despatched 30 buses to transport stranded people to their respective places.

"We have sent an additional three companies of security personnel. As stated by the chief minister, we reiterate that not a single inch of Assam land will go to Nagalim," he added.

Opposition Congress' state President Ripun Bora said the police firing on people protesting in a democratic manner has exposed the "fascist nature" of the BJP government.

CPI(M) Central Committee Member Brinda Karat asked if "Will RSS draft peace accords in the country now? Why does not the government make the draft public?"

Local organisations are protesting against inclusion of Dima Hasao in the proposed Greater Nagalim as per a reported draft released by RSS member Jagdamba Mall.