Normalcy came to a standstill in Duliajan, Assam, on Friday as a 12-hour bandh paralyzed the town. Organized by local groups, the shutdown aimed to highlight long-standing civic and employment issues. From dawn to dusk, Duliajan bandh affects normal life, causing roadblocks, market closures, and suspension of public transport.
The bandh began at 5 a.m. and continued until 5 p.m., with most shops, schools, banks, and offices remaining shut. Roads that usually see busy traffic were largely deserted, while security forces were deployed across key intersections to prevent any untoward incidents.
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Protesters Raise Civic and Employment Issues
The bandh was called by a coalition of local organizations, including the Duliajan Nagarik Manch and several youth groups. They demanded better road infrastructure, increased employment opportunities for locals in the oil and gas sector, and immediate repair of public utilities.
Spokespersons for the bandh organizers claimed that previous representations to the local administration and Oil India Ltd. (OIL), which operates in the area, had gone unanswered. As a result, they resorted to a bandh to draw wider attention.
“The local youth are frustrated with rising unemployment. Despite Duliajan being the headquarters of a major PSU, locals are not getting jobs. We’ve been ignored for too long,” said Rintu Das, a protest leader.
Transportation and Daily Life Disrupted
One of the immediate impacts of the bandh was on transportation. All local buses and private vehicles stayed off the roads, and several train services passing through nearby stations were delayed.
People who rely on public transport faced significant inconvenience. Many office-goers either worked from home or had to walk long distances to reach their destinations. With Duliajan bandh affects normal life, even emergency services operated at reduced efficiency, though hospitals remained open.
Rickshaw-pullers and small traders expressed helplessness as they were unable to earn for the day. “We support the cause, but we also suffer the most. I couldn’t earn anything today,” said a local vegetable vendor.
Oil India Operations Run with Minimal Staff
Oil India Ltd., the largest employer in Duliajan, managed to continue operations using skeletal staff. Security was heightened around OIL installations, with paramilitary forces deployed to safeguard infrastructure.
An OIL official confirmed that while field operations were not stopped, administrative functions were affected due to poor attendance. “Essential operations continued, but our workforce movement was restricted due to the bandh,” the official said.
As Duliajan bandh affects normal life, the company reiterated its commitment to community development and urged protesters to seek dialogue rather than disruption.
Schools, Markets, and Banks Remain Closed
Educational institutions across Duliajan declared the day a holiday, with both private and government schools staying closed. Parents expressed concern over academic loss but acknowledged the bandh’s broader purpose.
Markets, banks, and ATMs also remained largely closed. Local businesses estimated losses in lakhs of rupees, especially for those dealing in perishables and daily-use goods.
Local business associations voiced their concern. “Frequent bandhs affect investor confidence and daily wage earners alike. We urge the authorities to address the core issues so that such protests don’t recur,” said Arup Ghosh, a local trader.
Police Maintain Calm, No Violence Reported
Despite the widespread shutdown, the bandh remained peaceful. Assam Police, in coordination with CRPF units, monitored the town closely. Over 200 personnel were deployed to maintain order, and no incidents of violence or property damage were reported.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Duliajan, R. Borah, confirmed that preventive measures helped avoid escalation. “We maintained dialogue with protest leaders, and they assured a peaceful demonstration. Our aim was to ensure safety for all,” he said.
Political Reactions and Administrative Response
The bandh triggered political reactions across the spectrum. While opposition leaders backed the protest, they criticized the ruling government for failing to address core grievances in resource-rich regions like Duliajan.
Assam’s Industry and Commerce Minister, who also represents the area, assured swift intervention. “We are aware of the issues and will form a committee to review employment practices and civic needs in Duliajan. Constructive talks will follow soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the district administration appealed to protesters to resume dialogue. “We request residents not to resort to disruptive methods. We’re open to discussions to resolve the demands,” said Deputy Commissioner Anurag Thakur.
The 12-hour shutdown might have ended, but the issues behind it remain unresolved. As Duliajan bandh affects normal life, it underscores the pressing need for inclusive development, better communication between authorities and locals, and fair job opportunities in industrial zones.
With growing unrest among youth and increasing civic discontent, Duliajan’s bandh serves as a wake-up call for policymakers. Protesters say this was just a warning. If grievances continue to be ignored, more intense demonstrations could follow.
The hope now lies in constructive dialogue and long-term solutions that address the town’s demands without recurring disruptions.
