Partial Response to Sribhumi Shutdown Over Karimganj Renaming

A 12-hour shutdown in Sribhumi, called by the Karimganj Zila Naam Paribartan Pratirudh Samiti to protest renaming Karimganj, saw partial response on Saturday. Passenger vehicles stayed off roads, though offices, schools, and private transport functioned. Clashes erupted between bandh supporters and BJP, VHP, and Bajrang Dal, prompting police lathi-charge in Badarpur. Several protesters, mainly students, were detained. The bandh, backed by Left parties, Congress, and the Citizens’ Committee, demanded reversal of the renaming. While Congress claimed the strike was a success, authorities and BJP termed the response minimal. Section 163 BNSS was enforced to prevent gatherings.