STRIKE

Clash occurred but no bandh at Suktabari

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 5: Several persons were injured and a few vehicles were damaged during a tussle that occurred between Congress and CPI-M supporters at Suktabari under Cooch Behar Kotowali police station last night. One person was arrested till now.

 

It was learnt that supporters of anti-CPI-M Mahajot (grand alliance) took out a rally at Suktabari area last night in favour of Friday's bandh against price hike of petroleum products. Later, supporters of the CPI-M too brought out a pro-bandh procession to make today's bandh successful. CPI-M sources alleged that the Mahajot activists made attack on them and several persons were wounded. One Aminur Haq (CPI-M) was shifted to hospital in a serious condition. Three motorbikes and two other vehicles were damaged during the melee. Congress sources however blamed the CPI-M for the disturbance.

 

Police said one person, stated to be a Congress supporter was arrested in connection with the incident. As tension prevails in the area a large contingent of police was deployed at Suktabari to avert incident of fresh violence. Though Left Front sponsored bandh was observed in other parts of Cooch Behar district today against fuel price hike, the shops and local market were found open at Suktabari area today. []

 

Bandh peaceful in Cooch Behar

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 5: The Left front sponsored bandh against fuel price hike was passed off peacefully in Cooch Behar district. People were found in holiday mood during shopping of vegetables and fishes at roadside makeshift markets out of original market areas. Almost all offices wore a deserted look. The impact of today's bandh was not visible in some areas including Tufanganj where the anti-CPI-M alliance of opposition parties won in the recent panchayat elections. []