West Bengal hit by bandh for second day

The state observes bandh for the 2nd consecutive day after Trinamool Congress & its ally, the Socialist Unity Centre of India, enforce the shut down.

Rail and road communication was badly hit in West Bengal on Friday due to the day-long bandh called by the Trinamool Congress, SUCI and BJP to protest against increase in fuel prices.

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Bandh supporters obstructed trains at various stations of Eastern railway's Howrah and Sealdah divisions, besides Malda and Asansol divisions, leading to the cancellation of 12 trains.

South Eastern railway also cancelled a few trains. However, Metro Railway in Kolkata ran uninterrupted services. Those who ventured out had a trying time as buses and taxis were few. Shops and markets were also closed in many areas. Airport sources said flights were normal at the NSC Bose International Airport.

The Trinamool Congress took out a procession in the metropolis led by party chief Mamata Banerjee. IGP (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said the situation was peaceful.

A report from Sliguri said normal life was hit in six North Bengal districts with shops, business establishments, educational institutions, and banks remaining closed and traffic off the streets. Besides the Trinamool Congress, the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) and BJP have called for a 12-hour bandh on Friday. On Thursday , the CPI(M)-led ruling Left Front had called a bandh to protest against the fuel price hike.