GUWAHATI: Life in the state was paralyzed on the first day of the 36-hour Assam bandh, called against BJP 's delay in granting the promised tribal status of six OBC communities in the state. There was no report of police action against protesters anywhere.While campaigning for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Narendra Modi had promised ST status to the six communities. The previous Congress government in the state had also proposed the granting of ST status to these communities. "The Centre had announced that the expert committee will submit its report on the framework of modalities for granting ST status to the six communities by October 15. The number of reserved seats is likely to increase to 80 once ribal status is granted to the six communities.

Source: Times of India October 20, 2016 02:59 UTC