India, Feb. 12 -- Parts of Assam experienced major disruption on Thursday as the nationwide "Bharat Bandh" called by 10 central trade unions took effect. Refineries, transport hubs, and city streets were among the worst affected, with organisers claiming participation from nearly 30 crore workers across the country.

In Guwahati, the entrance to the Guwahati Refinery in Noonmati turned into a protest site as members of the United Workmen Union and Thikadari Shramik Union gathered to demand that the Central government roll back the labour codes. Protesters said the new laws threaten job security and could deprive workers of long-standing rights.

The strike also affected public transport, with only a handful of buses operating, leaving com...