GUWAHATI: Normal life has been a partially affected due to the Bharat Bandh (nationwide shutdown) in Guwahati and its adjoining areas with less vehicular traffic on road in early hours of Tuesday, December 8.
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Shops and business establishments were partially closed in the prime market areas of city including Paltan Bazar, Pan Bazar and Fancy Bazar.
Several trade and transport unions have extended support to the bandh and almost all opposition parties have backed their demands.
In Assam, as many as 13 opposition parties including Congress, AJP and Left parties have extended support to the nationwide strike.
Police patrolling across Assam has been increased to ensure the shutdown remains peaceful.
The security forces are also keeping a vigil at the railway stations to avoid any ‘Rail Roko’ protests in Assam.
Farmer leaders said their strike will remain peaceful and that no shops and establishments will be forcibly closed on account of the Bandh.
“There will be complete ‘Bharat bandh’ till 3 pm Tuesday, but emergency services will be allowed,” farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal told reporters.
On the eve of the nationwide strike, the Centre asked all states and Union Territories to tighten security and that peace and tranquillity must be maintained during the strike.
The left leaning Student Federation of India (SFI) carried out protests in prime locations of Guwahati, carrying placards and banners. They were seen protesting near the Secretariat and other important strategic locations in the city.
As reported by ANI, police also detained a few people who were protesting in front of Janata Bhawan, Guwahati in support of the Bharat Bandh.