Morigaon/Tezpur: The convoy of a Union Minister and a state minister were blocked as sporadic incidents of violence were reported during the second day of the bandh called by different outfits protesting against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi`s visit to Assam.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Development Ranee Narah and Assam Irrigation Minister Ardhendu Dey`s convoy were blocked on National Highway 37 at Dharamtul in Central Assam by activists of the Tiwa Oikya Mancha.
The blockade lasted for over an hour from 10:30 AM.
Morigaon Superintendent of Police Ainul Haque said hat 12 persons have been arrested so far in connection with the highway blockade.
The ministers were on their way to attend Gandhi`s road show scheduled to begin from the neighbouring district of Nagaon.
The bandh supporters were demanding more autonomy for the Tiwas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The All Koch Rajbonshi Students` Union (AKRSU) have also called a bandh which affected normal life in Central Assam.
AKRSU has been demanding Scheduled Tribes status.
Incidents of violence were reported from Mayong and Oujari where several bandh activists pelted stones damaging atleast 50 vehicles.
The bandh also affected normal life in Sonitpur district where NH15 was blocked at Gohpur and a truck was set ablaze.
Gandhi`s roadshow was scheduled to start from Nagaon and reach Tezpur via Bhomoraguri, Batamari, Parua Chariali, Mission chariali, Dekargaon and Holeshwar.
He will later leave for Jorhat from Tezpur Airport.
