Kailashahar witnessed chaos during a 12-hour Congress-led bandh with reports of violence, vehicle vandalism, and low government office attendance. BJP opposed the shutdown, mobilizing workers and urging citizens to resume normal activities amid political tensions.
Kailashahar, Unakoti District, witnessed a tense and chaotic Thursday as a 12-hour bandh called by the Congress-led district unit led to widespread disruption across the town. The shutdown, intended to press certain political demands, quickly escalated into violence, vandalism, and serious allegations against law enforcement officials, leaving citizens and commuters shaken.
Multiple reports surfaced of vehicles being attacked and drivers assaulted during the bandh, heightening fears among residents and traders. Rahul Sardar, a goods vehicle driver, shared his harrowing experience, stating, “We were unaware of any bandh in Kailashahar. While transporting goods from Dharmanagar, we were stopped at the Chinibagan naka point where police allegedly demanded a Rs 200 bribe without informing us about the bandh. Moments after crossing the checkpoint, miscreants vandalized our vehicle and physically assaulted me and my companion. I’m currently receiving treatment at the hospital with pain all over my body.”
Another driver reported that his stationary vehicle was deliberately damaged by Congress supporters, despite no provocation, raising questions about the enforcement and monitoring of law and order during the shutdown.
In response to the unrest, Unakoti District Superintendent of Police, Sudhambika R, stated, “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.” The statement aimed to reassure residents, but eyewitness accounts suggest the situation was more alarming on the ground.
Political tensions further intensified as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) actively opposed the bandh. Mobilizing thousands of workers across Kailashahar, the party staged a large-scale bike rally through various parts of the town. Kailashahar Mandal President Pritam Ghosh condemned the Congress’s move, calling it a “destructive and unpopular bandh” and appealed to citizens to return to their daily activities. “We are raising awareness among people to reject this disruptive call and resume normal activities,” he said.
The impact of the shutdown was felt across both public and private sectors. Despite the presence of senior officials at government offices, including the Public Works Department and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office, employee attendance was low, reflecting the strong influence of the bandh. Most shops and local businesses remained closed, affecting economic activity and leaving the town’s streets unusually quiet, save for sporadic rallies and the presence of law enforcement personnel.
The incident underscores the persistent tension between political groups in Unakoti District, where shutdowns and protests have often escalated into violence. While authorities assert that law and order is under control, the accounts of assaulted drivers and vandalized vehicles indicate gaps in the preventive measures during politically motivated shutdowns.
As Kailashahar attempts to return to normalcy, the need for a more structured approach to handling political demonstrations has become evident. Citizens and business owners are calling for stricter monitoring and accountability to prevent future incidents, ensuring that political expression does not come at the cost of public safety and property.
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The Congress-led shutdown, though officially lasting only twelve hours, has left a lasting impact on the town’s social and political environment, highlighting the delicate balance required in managing protests and maintaining law and order in a politically charged atmosphere.
