Guwahati: Normal life was disrupted today (Aug 18, 2004) throughout Assam following the 12-hour Assam Bandh called by All Assam Students' Union (AASU) though no untoward incident was reported so far. All shops, business establishments, schools and colleges, private offices and commercial organisations remained closed while attendance in Government offices and banks was thin.

Very few vehicles plied on the road with private bus services, auto-rickshaws and other means of public transport remaining off the roads.

Long-distance buses were plying in few numbers with police escort.

Railway and air services have not been affected by the bandh and trains as well as flights are on schedule.

The Bandh began at 5:00 IST to protest against the killing of 13 people, including 10 school children, in the Independence Day bomb blast by ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) at the Parade Ground in Dhemaji and to demand the resignation of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for ''failing'' to control law and order.

The Opposition AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) has extended its support to the Bandh.

AASU Advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya told that the bandh was 'total, spontaneous and peaceful'.

Security throughout the state has been beefed up and the State Government by an order has directed all Government employees to attend office or their salary will be deducted.