Protest Planned in Sivasagar Over Jamuna Canal Encroachment

The All Tai Ahom Students’ Association has called for a 12-hour bandh in Sivasagar on November 6 to protest against alleged encroachments on the historic Jamuna canal. The decision follows a failed meeting with district officials, where the association expressed dissatisfaction over the presence of an Additional Deputy Commissioner instead of the Deputy Commissioner. The group emphasizes the urgent need for government intervention to protect this vital water resource, which they claim is under threat. Their protest aims to raise awareness and demand action from local authorities to safeguard the canal from further encroachment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 14:52 IST

Sivasagar District to Experience 12-Hour Bandh

The meeting between the All Tai Ahom Students’ Association and Sivasagar district administration (AT Image)

Sivasagar, Oct 31: The All Tai Ahom Students’ Association has declared a 12-hour bandh in Sivasagar district on November 6, in response to alleged encroachments on the historic Jamuna canal. The group accuses local authorities of neglecting their duty to safeguard this vital water resource.

The decision to initiate a shutdown follows an anticipated meeting with district officials that did not proceed as planned. Leaders from the association expressed their disappointment upon discovering that the meeting was led by an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) rather than the Deputy Commissioner (DC).

Concerns were raised regarding the ADC's authority to make decisions on such significant issues, prompting representatives from the association to leave the meeting and subsequently announce the bandh as a form of protest.

A spokesperson for the All Tai Ahom Students’ Association emphasized the critical nature of the Jamuna canal situation, alleging ongoing encroachments while the authorities have failed to act despite numerous appeals.

“The Jamuna issue is vital. It involves the preservation of an ancient water resource in Assam that is currently under threat. Neither the government nor local officials, including the Sivasagar MLA, have taken meaningful action to resolve this. Hence, we have resolved to take action ourselves,” the spokesperson stated.

Further explaining the rationale behind their decision, the spokesperson noted that the association had previously given the authorities a two-day window to respond. Following this, the administration sent a letter inviting them for a discussion.

“However, upon our arrival, we found that the meeting was being led by an ADC. We believe that only the Deputy Commissioner has the necessary authority to address such a significant issue. Additionally, contractors were present at the meeting, raising questions about the effectiveness of the discussion without the district commissioner,” the spokesperson added.

The association's primary demand remains focused on removing encroachments from the historic Jamuna canal and ensuring its protection for future generations.