Guwahati, Dec. 3: Normal life has been partially affected in several districts of Assam after the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA) launched an eight-hour highway blockade programme today.

According to sources, traffic movement along National Highways has been affected by the blockade. No traffic plied on National Highways 52, 37, 39 and 31.

Student bodies are asking the Government to clarify its stand on the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to Adivasis and the Tea communities living in the State by December 15.

They also threatened to intensify their stir.

Security has been beefed up in all the sensitive locations, including tea garden dominated areas in view of the blockade programme.

The AASAA had recently called for a 36-hour Assam shutdown in protest against the attack on tribal demonstrators during a recent rally.

Fierce violence had broken out between tribals demanding Scheduled Tribes status and local residents during a protest march by the former towards the State Assembly.

Indefinite curfew was clamped in the town after clashes between Adivasi protestors and locals. (ANI)