‘Stop Selling the Nation’: Bharat Bandh Brings Assam to a Halt

A 24-hour nationwide Bharat Bandh called by a coalition of central trade unions, employee federations, and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha had a resounding impact across Assam on Wednesday, disrupting transport, trade, and daily life in both urban and rural pockets of the state. The bandh, aimed at protesting the central government’s economic and labour policies, transformed large stretches of Assam into epicentres of working-class dissent.

From the floodplains of Bajali to the tea gardens of Gogamukh, from the industrial zone of Amingaon to the hill district of Srihumi—thousands of workers, farmers, transporters, and activists poured onto the streets demanding the repeal of anti-labour laws, halting of public sector privatization, and an end to what they called "corporate loot of national resources."

Pathsala Erupts in Fury

In Bajali district’s Pathsala town, protestors assembled beneath the flyover early Wednesday morning, braving rain and humidity to express their anger against the government’s policies. Trade union flags fluttered alongside handwritten placards as protestors staged a dharna, blocking roads and shutting down local markets.

“What kind of justice is this?” cried a middle-aged protestor, visibly agitated. “The Chief Minister can grant Rs 50 lakh in ex gratia for a minister’s spouse, but cannot regularize Anganwadi or ASHA workers who serve people in every village. Why this apathy towards women workers?”

Shops and small businesses remained closed in solidarity. Even roadside vendors and auto drivers chose to stay away, reflecting the strong grip of worker unity.

Transport Paralysis Grips State

Public transportation came to a virtual standstill in several districts, including Guwahati, Nalbari, Darrang, Barpeta, Hailakandi, and Nagaon. In Guwahati, the usually bustling Narengi bus terminal wore a deserted look. Magic vans, buses, and shared autos were off the roads. Commuters were left stranded with no means of travel.

In Darrang’s Dalgaon, the bandh brought traffic on National Highway 15 to a halt. Vehicles lined up along the road as union members enforced the blockade. “This is not a strike for leisure. We are fighting for dignity and livelihood,” said a truck driver standing by his parked vehicle.

Trade unions demanded multiple reforms: fixed rest stops every 60 kilometres for long-route drivers, clean drinking water, subsidized canteens, and clean toilets on highways. They also opposed the practice of ride-sharing in private vehicles that cuts into the income of licensed commercial drivers.

Tea Garden Workers Rise Up in Gogamukh

At Bordoi Tea Estate in Dhemaji district’s Gogamukh, tea workers staged a vociferous protest demanding that the government fix daily wages at Rs 661, cancel all four controversial Labour Codes, and grant land rights for tea garden workers.

“This land has been tilled by our ancestors. We pick leaves all year round under sun and storm. Is it too much to ask for proper wages and land?” asked a tea garden worker.

The All India Cha Mazdoor Sangh, which spearheaded the protest, declared full support for the Bharat Bandh, stating that the Centre’s labour reforms were tilted in favour of corporations while crushing the rights of the working poor.

Barak Valley Joins In

In Silchar, Barak Valley's commercial hub, key roads like Club Road and Central Road were blocked by protestors who set up temporary barricades using bamboo poles and tyres. Outside government offices, demonstrators prevented entry of employees, demanding reversal of public sector privatization policies and restoration of pension benefits.

According to reports, minor confrontations occurred when some employees tried to enter district administrative offices. Police deployed at sensitive points helped maintain calm.

Amingaon Industrial Belt Witnesses Major Stir

In North Guwahati’s industrial hub of Amingaon, over 500 workers sat at the main entrance of the estate, blocking entry of goods transport vehicles. Slogans of "BJP sarkar Go back" and "Mazdoor Ekta Zindabad" reverberated through the area.

The workers demanded:

Repeal of all four Labour Codes

Equal wages for temporary and permanent workers

Minimum monthly wage of Rs 26,000

Old pension scheme restoration

Protection of construction worker welfare boards

Ban on privatization of banks, insurance and public utilities

Legal guarantee of MSP and protection of agricultural land from corporate acquisition

Mixed Impact in Nalbari and Other Regions

While Nalbari saw protest marches and slogans led by CITU, the bandh effect remained partial. Though public buses were mostly off the roads, many shops and private vehicles operated as usual.

In contrast, complete shutdowns were observed in areas like Kalgachia, Kampur, and Majuli. In Kalgachia, local farmer and transport unions jointly enforced the bandh.

Clashes Reported in Sribhumi

In Sribhumi district, tension flared up when bandh supporters clashed with ASTC staff attempting to operate government buses. Protestors accused the authorities of breaking the unified front of the working class. The situation was diffused after police intervention, and the buses were not allowed to operate.

The Bharat Bandh served as a mirror to the growing unrest simmering within India’s labour force. In Assam, it revealed the depth of anxiety and anger across various segments—from daily wage workers and drivers to tea estate pickers and industrial labourers.

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