STRIKE

Bandh almost peaceful : trouble at Mathabhanga

 

COOCH BEHAR, June 6: The bandh called by Trinamul Congress, SUCI and BJP against fuel price hike was passed off almost peacefully in Cooch Behar district. Almost all offices and streets wore a deserted look.

 

About 15 persons were arrested in the district, Cooch Behar DM Mr Rajesh Kumar Sinha said.

 

In Mathabhanga, trouble occurred when the bandh supporters tried to resist the SDO, Mr Anindya Kar, from entering into his office. The SDO allegedly slapped a Trinamul Congress supporter. Trinamul sources claimed that the police lathicharged on the picketers. Three persons including a policeman were injured during the melee. Trinamul Congress will organise demonstration at the Mathabhanga SDO office on Tuesday to protest against the police action.

 

In Cooch Behar, the Trinamul Congress supporters resisted the district judge from entering into the court. Not only government offices, banks, schools and colleges, the picketers also compelled the Congress-run Cooch Behar Municipality to keep its office closed. The main entrance of the district magistrate's office was also found closed.

 

Plying of trains was disrupted during the bandh hours. Dadar Express halted at Ghoksadanga station, Alipurduar-Bamanhat passenger train at Kholta near Baneswar station, Lokmanya Express at New Cooch Behar station, Abodh Assam Express at New Alipurduar station and Haldibari-NJP passenger train was halted at Haldibari station. []

 

PHOTO : Mockery of "security arrangement" at the main entrance of district magistrate's office in Cooch Behar on Friday. – DEBASHIS BHAUMIK.

 

PHOTO  : Closed office of the Cooch Behar Municipality on Friday. – DEBASHIS BHAUMIK.