This has been a case like the weather where everyone talks about it and no one does anything about it. I remember a few years ago we tried to form a forum in Guwahati presided over by Shri Nagen Saikia to oppose Bandhs. The thing is some one must give the time and thought to press it forward. No one come forward to do it, all those who give advise and sermons against Bandhs are not willing to go beyond that.
Regarding statistics, NEDFi did a study long ago that was also published widely. A few months ago Prantik had an article where all the Bandhs in the last year were listed. Yet we still want someone to compile statistics. The Gauhati High Court is sleeping on the petition on the bandh and refused to give an interim stay order that could have done wonders. Recently a very crucial meeting on NEPIF had to be abandoned due to a bandh and that has pushed back NEPIF work by TWO MONTHS since most of the NEPIF people now have immediate priorities which would desist them from devoting more time for NEPIF (it is after all voluntary work). Thus a group of youths would suffer. I doubt we shall be able to stop bandhs since people welcome bandhs. Let us see how we can continue in spite of bandhs. Shantikam Hazarika
