ULFA<em> bandh</em> silences Assam

Guwahati: Facing the ire of a 12-hour bandh called by the banned outfit ULFA, shops across the state capital and Ulubari as well as Kalapahar remained closed. “The last time we had a bandh of this sort was about six months ago. In the state, no one dares to disobey a bandh called by ULFA. Life has come to a halt from the morning and I wasn't able to leave my house at all,” said Guwahati-based Surendra Kumar Choraria of Jain Infosys.

“The bandh has a serious effect on our business. In times of slowdown, everyday is important for us and closing for one day results in severe losses. In upcoming areas like Guwahati, this is even acute,” Choraria added.

While all shutters are down across Chattri Bari, GS Road and AP Road, dealers are optimistic that this time, the bandh and its repercussions will not last long. “Assam has always been plagued by militants, ever since we entered business. Previously, extortion calls and kidnapping were rampant in the region. However, the scenario has changed now and extortions are limited to the rural areas and the hills,” a dealer commented on the condition of anonymity.

Also, the situation is improving gradually with the progress of IT and retail outlets coming up. News of Infinity Infotech Parks setting up in the region, with a multi-crore project in Kalapahar, may change the landscape of the state,” another dealer said on condition of anonymity.

Also, strict vigil has been put at the Kamakhya Temple where a four-day Ambubachi Mela is taking place and lakhs of devotees are expected to partake in it.

“On Sunday last week, the army had gunned down two ULFA cadres and in retaliation, the outfit called for a bandh. Security has been heightened and special arrangements have also been made to ensure law is adhered to during the bandh,” said GP Singh, Inspector-General of Police.

However, ULFA said it will not disturb the examinations of schools and colleges, water and milk supply, hospitals and medical services, electric supply and media.

“This has been a good gesture by ULFA to exempt colleges, hospitals, electricity and press out of the bandh's purview. The very move signifies that Assam is coping with the industrial and corporate revolution taking place in the nation. However, I feel that bandhs are a deterrent to business,” said Sunil Mohta of Guwahati-based Advantage.

“Moreover, the state government has also issued directives to all deputy commissioners and sub-divisional officers to ensure normal operation of offices during the bandh,” Mohta added.

Security forces have launched intensive operations against the militants in this northeastern state in recent past, killing more than 20 members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and few others belonging to the ULFA.