GUWAHATI: The 48-hour state-wide bandh called by All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union (Akrsu), All Assam Koch Rajbongshi Sanmilani (AAKRS) and several non-Bodo organizations from Monday hit normal life in many parts across lower Assam.The organizations have called the bandh amid reports that Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) might be upgraded into a Union Territorial Council (UTC) with enhanced administrative powers.Reports of such a development has already been refuted by the government, but the protesting organizations are not convinced. They feel that the Centre might hatch a conspiracy to push non-Bodo organizations into a corner, while appeasing the Bodo organizations which have been leading a movement for creation of a separate Bodoland state out of areas under BTAD, which are also inhabited by the Koch-Rajbongshis and several other non-tribal communities."The Koch-Rajbongshis and other non-Bodo communities are yet to be convinced. The news reports on upgrading the BTAD into UTC is not only disturbing us, but is also a threat to our movement demanding a separate Kamatapur state, which has been going on for years," said Akrsu general secretary Gokul Barman."Since the establishment of the BTAD, non-Bodo communities have been socio-politically deprived. We will not support any move to appease the Bodos that harm other communities in their homeland," he added.In Dhubri, protesters took out a bike rally and burnt tyres on the road to express resentment against the 'latest developments'.On the other hand, the impact of the bandh was total in several places in Chirang, Bongaigaon, Baksa and Udalguri districts. Adequate security arrangements were made in Kokrajhar, the nerve centre of the BTAD, though no untoward incident has been reported.In Rangia, Sarbhog and Goalpara too, bandh supporters came out to the streets chanting slogans against the BJP-led government at the Centre, decrying the alleged move. The bandh also affected normal life along Indo-Bhutan bordering areas in Baksa district. Bandh supporters also blocked goods-laden trucks coming from West Bengal near the inter-state gate at Srirampur.Educational institutions and commercial establishments remained closed in bandh-affected areas, though emergency services, including plying of ambulances, continued during bandh hours.The pro-talk National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive), All Bodo Students' Union (Absu) and Peoples' Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement, which have been steering a process of dialogue with the Centre, have also refuted discussing anything on the reported UTC status as reported by a section of media. However, the Akrsu general secretary said the bandh will continue on Tuesday as well.The demand of Kamatapur collides with the interests of the BTAD as the latter comprises areas which are being demanded by the Koch-Rajbongshi organizations.While the long-pending demand of a separate state of Kamatapur remains the prime agenda of Koch-Rajbongshi organizations, Akrsu said no further enhancement of the powers of the BTAD administration is acceptable.

Stay updated with all the Latest Guwahati headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.