Bharat Bandh affects normal life in Jharkhand

Normal life was hit in Jharkhand today following the opposition-sponsored 'Bharat Bandh' with most educational institutes remaining closed and many buses going off roads, while 200 strike supporters were arrested from various areas.

Normal life was hit in Jharkhand on Monday following the opposition-sponsored 'Bharat Bandh' with most educational institutes remaining closed and many buses going off roads, while 200 strike supporters were arrested from various areas.

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Leaders and workers of Left and BJP separately hit the streets across the state to enforce the bandh against spiralling prices. The strike is being observed peacefully, police said in Ranchi.

Passengers were stranded at bus stands after private bus operators suspended their services while non-operation of trucks affected mining activities in several districts.

Two trains were halted at Jamtara station as bandh supporters squatted on the tracks, police said.

Security forces have been deployed in strength at strategic points including railway stations, bus stands and airport to keep bandh supporters at bay, a senior police officer said.

CPI-M Central Committee member J S Majumdar, who was leading a protest by partymen, said, "The bandh is spontaneous because price rise has hit the common man the most."

BJP's state unit spokesman Sanjay Seth said the party is holding demonstrations at various places, including near Central Coalfields Limited (CCL).

CCL's Deputy Manager (Public Relations) Deepak Kumar said the public sector unit was working in full attendance without any demonstrations in or around its premises.

RJD's state unit president Girinath Singh said the party was not supporting the bandh but would observe a protest day against price rise on July 13 in Jharkhand.