Moran-Motok groups enforce 48-hr bandh in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh over cabinet snub

Dibrugarh: Even as CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expanded his cabinet with the swearing-in of 12 new ministers in Guwahati on Friday, Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts witnessed widespread protests as organisations representing the Moran and Motok communities enforced a 48-hour bandh, alleging that the two communities were once again overlooked in the cabinet expansion.

The bandh, which began at 5 am, had a complete effect in Tinsukia district, where vehicular movement came to a standstill, shops and business establishments remained closed, and life was severely disrupted. In Dibrugarh, however, the bandh did not have a similar impact, with most shops and establishments remaining open and traffic largely continuing as normal.

Protesters were seen burning tyres at several locations in both districts and raising slogans against the govt.

The organisations alleged that the govt led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma failed to honour its commitments to the two indigenous communities and once again overlooked them in the cabinet expansion.

All Moran Students’ Union (Amsu) president Palindra Borah said the expansion came as a disappointment. “The state govt led by Himanta Biswa Sarma is expanding the cabinet. Once again, the Moran and Motok communities have been ignored, as not a single MLA from either community has been inducted into the cabinet. Several promises were made to our people before the elections, but those commitments remain unfulfilled,” he added.

“In protest against this continued neglect, we have called a 48-hour bandh in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts,” Borah said.

Borah further pressed the govt on the long-standing demand for ST status. “We have been demanding ST status for many years, but the demand remains unfulfilled. The govt has repeatedly raised hopes without delivering on its promises,” he dded.

Community leaders warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not addressed. The 48-hour bandh is set to continue through Saturday.