Guwahati, Dec 03: The 120-hour bandh in violence-hit Karbi Anglong and north Cachar Hills district announced by the anti-talk faction of the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity was called off on the second day today in the wake of escalating ethnic violence. UPDS General Secretary H E Kathar said in a release at Diphu that the bandh was withdrawn from today in view of the "communal tensions escalating day by day" in Karbi Anglong and to facilitate relief work in the affected area. The withdrawal comes in the wake of fresh ethnic violence in the district where three persons, including a woman were killed, one injured and 30 huts set on fire by Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) ultras at remote Menterang village under Manja outpost last night. The UPDS had called the bandh upto December six to demand scrapping of clause 8 of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) accord that grants scheduled tribe status to Bodos in Karbi Anglong and N C Hills districts.
Karbi-Kuki clashes have been nagging Karbi Anglong since October but renewed attacks erupted on November 29 when Kra killed six Karbis and another four on Monday.

The bandh hit life in Karbi Anglong and partially affected N C Hills till the withdrawal was announced with markets, educational and financial institutions and offices closed. Vehicles kept off the roads in Karbi Anglong except on NH 39, where trucks with essential goods plied with police escort in convoys. Trains plied normally in both the districts, official sources said.

Bureau Report