Tensions Rise in Silchar as 12-Hour Bandh Against Karimganj Renaming Sparks Clashes

Silchar: A 12-hour bandh called on Saturday by the ‘committee to resist the renaming of Karimganj district’ brought life to a standstill across Sribhumi, triggering clashes, arrests, and heightened security in the Muslim-majority border district.The shutdown, complete across Sribhumi town and adjoining areas, was called in protest against the Assam govt’s decision to rename Karimganj as Sribhumi — announced on Nov 19 last year.Tensions escalated near the Sribhumi head post office when bandh supporters clashed with anti-strike groups, leaving at least four protesters injured. Sources said 15 people, including five policemen, were injured in sporadic confrontations across the district.At Badarpur Nabinchandra College, students enforcing the bandh blocked NH-37, set tyres ablaze, and raised slogans, halting traffic. When police tried to clear the road, scuffles broke out. Protesters allegedly hurled stones at security personnel and mediapersons, prompting a lathicharge. Several students were injured in the melee.