12-Hour Bandh Halts Life in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia as Protesters Demand ST Status

On Monday, a 12-hour bandh organized by the Moran and Motok Students’ Union brought Dibrugarh and Tinsukia to a standstill. Starting at 5 am, shops remained closed, and public transport ceased operations. Protesters, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six indigenous communities, blocked roads by burning tyres, causing traffic disruptions. The bandh followed recent statements by Union Minister Jual Oram, sparking frustration among demonstrators who felt neglected by the government. Security forces resorted to air firing in some areas to control the escalating tensions.