Guwahati, February 19:

A 12-hour general strike called by the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today paralysed normal life in Assam, officials said.

Shops and businesses, educational and financial institutions remained closed, while movement of public and private transport was thin, a police spokesman said.

The ULFA called the strike to protest the arrest of rights leader Lachit Bordoloi last week on alleged charges of links with the outfit. The ULFA strike that began at 5.30 a.m. is also to protest the ongoing security crackdown in Assam.