Stray incidents mar NE shutdown in Assam

Guwahati, Jan 8 (IANS) Assam witnessed a total shutdown on Tuesday in response to a shutdown called by the North East Students Organisation (NESO) in protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill even as strike supporters ransacked a BJP office in Dibrugarh town.Police and security forces deployed in Dibrugarh had to fire gunshots in the air and also tear gas to disperse a mob that went unruly in the town, which is home to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.Police said the situation turned unruly suddenly after a group of people shouting slogans against the Bill gathered in front of the BJP office in Amolapatty in Dibrugarh and ransacked it. The protesters also stoned the security forces, injuring three policemen including Additional Superintendent of Police Surjeet Singh Panesar.Hundreds took to the streets in different places of Assam to enforce the shutdown leading to stray incidents. Strike supporters burnt tyres in many areas blocking movement of vehicular traffic.At some places, the strike supporters damaged plying vehicles.
--IANS ah/mr