Bharat Bandh Paralyzes Key Sectors in Assam Amid Protests
A nationwide Bharat Bandh, organized by a joint forum of central trade unions on Thursday, significantly disrupted the transport sector and financial institutions in Assam, including public sector banks, although normal life largely remained unaffected in other areas. The strike, which saw protesters clashing with police in multiple locations such as Guwahati, was aimed at opposing the labour codes and wage policies implemented by the Modi government, among other demands.
Widespread Disruptions Across Industries
Workers and employees across Assam observed the strike, calling for the repeal of labour codes introduced by the Union government, which they argue infringe upon constitutional rights. The impact was particularly severe in critical sectors:
- All four refineries and bottling plants in the petroleum sector in Assam experienced operational halts.
- Production and services in coal, banking, insurance, and electricity sectors, including major units like NTPC Salakati, OIL Duliajan, and ONGC, were disrupted, as reported by trade unions.
- Motor workers' organizations supported the strike by organizing a wheel jam, bringing long-distance bus and truck services to a standstill in several districts.
Unprecedented Participation from Private and Unorganized Sectors
Tapan Sarma, convenor of the Joint Forum of Central Trade Unions and Employees Federations in Assam, highlighted the extensive reach of the protest. "Rural taxis, Ola-Uber, and small tourist vehicles ceased operations. The strike in private sector factories was unprecedented, with over 1,000 factories without labour unions completely shutting down," he stated. Additionally, construction workers in the unorganized sector held meetings and rallies across various districts of Assam, protesting against what they termed the BJP government's "anti-worker policies."
Sarma further noted that thousands of anganwadi workers, helpers, and ASHA workers across Assam joined the strike, demanding the repeal of labour codes, fair wages, and recognition as regular employees. Medical and sales representatives also refrained from work, staging protests at multiple locations, with police in Nagaon detaining 10 persons after cracking down on demonstrators.
Protests and Rallies in Guwahati and Beyond
In Guwahati, around 300 workers, employees, students, youth, and women staged a sit-in protest in front of the BSNL building in Panbazar. The strike extended to industrial areas in North Guwahati and Amingaon, where protesters, led by CITU leaders, organized rallies to voice their grievances. These actions underscored the widespread discontent among labor groups regarding government policies affecting workers' rights and livelihoods.
