Shutdown against killings of Hindi-speaking people hits normal life in Assam(lead:Assam Shutdown

A day-long shutdown called by the opposition political parties to protest against killings of Hindi-speaking people in Assam affected the normal life today.

Guwahati, Aug 14 : A day-long shutdown called by the opposition political parties to protest against killings of Hindi-speaking people in Assam affected the normal life today.

Shops, businesses establishments and educational institutions remained closed across Assam.

Most of the vehicles remained off the roads.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal visited thetate today to review the situation.

Jaiswal's visit comes after a recent visit of a high-level team from the Home Ministry and intelligence agencies.

"The State government is in full agreement with the Indian government and all the necessary steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in future. Many measures have been realised towards this goal and we hope that the State government implements them fast so that such incidents do not occur in future," said Jaiswal.

In New Delhi, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil contemplated in parliament, the geographical limitations of maintaining foolproof security in Assam.

"Assam being a large state and surrounded by forests and hills even after several efforts by the State government such incidents have been happening and continue to happen. So, we do understand their problems and are in constant touch with them to discuss on the issue," said Patil.

Over the last weekend, the militants have killed 29 Hindi-speaking people.

Assam has been put on high alert for tomorrow's Independence Day celebration, following the boycott call by the militants.

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has called a six-hour general strike in the State tomorrow and asked people to boycott the celebrations.

ANI