BJP bandh evokes mixed response in Lucknow

The business hub in the old city remained shut but markets in other localites were opened as usual.

The 'bandh' called by the BJP and VHP in Lucknow on Saturday against the anti-Bush protests on Friday that claimed four lives and left a dozen injured evoked a mixed response.

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The business hub in the old city remained shut but markets in other localites were opened as usual.

The main bazaars of Hazratganj, Lalbagh, Aminabad, Kaiserbagh, Nishatganj and other areas downed shutters as traders organisations took out marches demanding adequate security.

There were reports of some heated exchanges in Kaiserbagh and Aliganj areas with BJP-VHP activists trying to force closure of shops though no one was injured.

Chemists, restaurants, banks and petrol pumps were exempted from the shutdown and traffic plied as usual. The smaller markets in different localities however opened in the morning.

There were no reports of untoward incidents from any part of the city and security had been stepped up in view of the shutdown call, state Principal Secretary (Home) Alok Sinha said.