Guwahati: The city witnessed massive traffic jams on Tuesday as thousands of students took to the streets demanding concession in bus fare and free bus service to Gauhati University.
Over 2,000 students under the banner of the Students` Federation of India (SFI) organised a march to Dispur Secretariat demanding a meeting with Transport Minister Chandan Brahma to air their grievances regarding recent hikes in fares of buses and other modes of transportation.
However, a heavy contingent of police erected barricades in Ganeshguri chowk, the central point of the city, and stopped the students from marching to the Secretariat.
There was a minor scuffle between police and students.
In protest, the students blockaded the GS Road, Guwahati`s thoroughfare, for over two hours resulting in massive jams both the road and other places.
SFI leaders claimed seven students sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.
Later, senior officials from the transport department rushed to the spot and assured the agitators that the state government will hold tripartite talks involving the ministry, students and private transport operators to resolve the issue.
"We removed the blockade after receiving the assurance. However, in case our grievances are not addressed we will intensify the agitation," SFI Assam state committee president Anshuman Sarma said.
PTI
