Opposition-led strike hits trains in India

Angry opposition workers have disrupted train services as part of a daylong strike in India to protest rising diesel prices and the government's decision to open the country's huge retail market to foreign companies.

Angry opposition workers have disrupted train services as part of a daylong strike in India to protest rising diesel prices and the government's decision to open the country's huge retail market to foreign companies.

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Protesters carrying party flags blocked railroad tracks on Thursday in several cities and towns, including Allahabad, Varanasi and Patna.

They're demanding that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reverse the fuel hike and the decision on foreign retailers.

The strike is expected to shut down schools, businesses and public transportation.

It was called by the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, its allies and communist groups. Some of the government's allies also are involved.

Last week, the government announced it will allow foreign investment in retail and aviation and the sale of minority stakes in four state-run companies.