Reports from Haflong, the headquarters of the central Assam district, said life came to a halt in Haflong, Mahur and Harangajao areas dominated by non-Dimasas. However, the bandh failed to evoke any response in other parts of the district where Dimasas are in majority.
In Haflong, all shops, business establishments, banks, educational institutions and government offices were closed. Vehicles were off the roads.
A senior police officer said the bandh, which began at 5 am, was peaceful and there were no arrests.
The convener of the bandh want Dimasa-dominated Maibang sub-division to be made a separate district which should be called Dima Hasao and there should be another district comprising Haflong sub-division, which should be known as North Cachar Hills.
On the other hand, the Silchar-Lumding Broad Gauge Implementation Action Committee has called a 12-hour Barak Valley bandh on Tuesday. They want immediate commissioning of the 201-km gauge conversion project, the foundation for which was laid in 1996.
A number of non-Congress political parties, trade unions and NGOs have come in support of the bandh which will begin at 5 am.