India: General strike in Assam Nov. 29

Event

An umbrella organization representing the indigenous Mishing community in Assam state (northeast), held a 12-hour general strike (bandh) that ended at 17:00 (local time) on Wednesday, November 29, to protest against the ongoing eviction of indigenous people in various parts of the state. Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam were reportedly barred from entering the Mishing villages undergoing evictions. Further eviction notices were reportedly served in Lakhimpur, in Upper Assam.

No violence or disruptions to daily life were reported.

Context

According to the Indian Home Ministry, Assam state - home to many indigenous communities such as the Mishings and the Bodos - figures among the regions in the country with ongoing terrorist threats. In August 2017, an attack perpetrated by the separatist militant group National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) killed 15 people.

Northeast India has been wracked by violent unrest by ethnic and separatists groups for several decades.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant.