India rebel deal sparks protests

Assam has a long history of violent insurgency

By Subir Bhaumik BBC east India correspondent

A general strike has disrupted life in several parts of India's north-eastern state of Assam.

The strike has been called by groups opposed to a recent agreement signed between the Indian Government and rebels representing Bodo tribespeople.

Bodos make up 13% of Assam's population

Eighteen non-Bodo groups have come together to campaign against the deal, which they say is likely to damage the interests of non-Bodos in the area.

A spokesman for the alliance told the BBC the strike would end on Saturday.

Brojen Mahanta said the accord between Delhi and the Bodoland Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF) was not acceptable to his organisation.

He said the deal did not protect the interests of the non-Bodos, who, he said, were in a majority in most parts of western Assam.

Many areas of western Assam would become part of the proposed Bodoland Territorial Council, created under the accord.

Reassurance

The strike has had a mixed response in western Assam so far, where many areas are reported to be tense.

In areas dominated by non-Bodos, life has been disrupted but the strike had no impact in areas dominated by the Bodos.

Several trains passing through western Assam were stopped after supporters of the strike sat on the tracks.

There were also reports of some violence from the town of Bongaigaon.

However, leaders of the BLTF have been trying to allay the fears of non-Bodos.

The BLTF chairman, Hangrama Basuamatary, told the BBC that all non-Bodos would continue to enjoy property rights in the proposed territorial council area and no one would be dispossessed or displaced.