All Tai Ahom Students’ Association calls 12-hour Sivasagar bandh on November 6
The protest follows allegations of encroachment on the historic Jamuna canal and dissatisfaction with a meeting conducted by an Additional Deputy Commissioner.
The All Tai Ahom Students’ Association has announced a 12-hour shutdown across Sivasagar district on November 6. According to The Assam Tribune, the group is protesting the alleged encroachment of the historic Jamuna canal.
The decision to call the bandh follows a failed meeting between the association and district officials. Representatives of the organisation reportedly walked out of the discussion after finding that an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) was conducting the meeting instead of the Deputy Commissioner (DC).
The association questioned the authority of the ADC to make decisions on the matter. A member of the association stated that the presence of contractors at the meeting also raised questions regarding the purpose of the discussion without the DC.
The group had previously provided the authorities with a two-day window to address the issue. A member of the association alleged that the ancient water resource is being looted and encroached upon, claiming that neither the government nor the Sivasagar MLA has taken concrete steps to protect it.
The association stated that its primary demand is to free the Jamuna canal from encroachment and ensure its protection.