North Bengal bandh had partial impact

North Bengal bandh called in protest against the local administration on Monday had partial impact in the state barring the three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district and a few pockets, official sources said.

North Bengal bandh called in protest against the local administration on Monday had partial impact in the state barring the three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district and a few pockets, official sources said.

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The 24-hour bandh was called by the Kamtapur Progressive Party after Jalpaiguri district administration refused to allow the party to hold election rally at Mainaguri on Sunday.

The rally was expected to be addressed by former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung, JMM leader Shibu Soren among others.

Life came to a halt in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong as the bandh was supported by GJM. Its impact was also felt in the outskirt of Siliguri particularly in Shibmandir, Bagdogra and Naxalbari areas, known as KPP stronghold, officials said.

The bandh also affected life at Mainaguri and Dhupguri areas of Jalpaiguri district with shops, markets and offices remaining closed and private vehicles off the roads.

Meanwhile, Sangma who reached here on Sunday said the refusal of permission was a slap on the face of democracy and a gross violation of code of conduct and he would take up the issue with the EC.