Kailashahar witnessed heightened tension on Thursday during a 12-hour bandh called by the Unakoti District Congress, which led to incidents of violence, vandalism, and sharp allegations against law enforcement. The shutdown, organized to press political demands, soon escalated into chaos in several areas of the town.
Reports surfaced of vehicles being targeted and drivers assaulted. Rahul Sardar, a goods vehicle driver, narrated a disturbing experience. “We were unaware of any bandh. While transporting goods from Dharmanagar, we were stopped at the Chinibagan naka point where police allegedly took a Rs 200 bribe without informing us about the bandh. Soon after crossing the checkpoint, miscreants vandalized our vehicle and attacked me and my companion. I’m now under treatment with severe body pain,” he said.
Another driver alleged that his stationary vehicle was damaged by Congress supporters without provocation.
Reacting to the incidents, Unakoti District Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R downplayed the scale of unrest. “Minor incidents occurred in connection with the bandh, but there were no major untoward events. Everything is under control. If anything serious arises, we will take strict action,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly opposed the bandh. Mobilizing thousands of workers, the party staged a large bike rally led by Kailashahar Mandal President Pritam Ghosh. He condemned the bandh as “destructive and unpopular” and urged citizens to resume normal life. “We are raising awareness among people to reject this disruptive call,” he said.
Despite the presence of senior officials at key government offices, including the Public Works Department and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office, attendance remained thin. Most shops and commercial establishments across Kailashahar stayed closed, reflecting the bandh’s wide impact on the town’s daily life.
