GENERAL STRIKE

Bandh observed without resistance

 

COOCH BEHAR, July 3: This is probably for the first time that the BJP made its presence felt as an organised party in Cooch Behar. Today, the BJP sponsored bandh passed off almost peacefully in this district without any resistance from the ruling party. And it proved that the situation is changing, the BJP leaders believe.

 

A few NBSTC busses loaded with fewer passengers were found plying. But, almost all offices, schools, colleges, shops, markets and banks were found closed. At several places in the district the bandh supporters staged road blockades. A lorry was damaged at Baxirhat.

 

District BJP president Mr Nityananda Munsi alleged that the police lathi-charged their men at Maruganj, Chilakhana. Nakkatigachh, Dawaguri and some other places. The police arrested more than 120 persons, dishonoured their party flags and even kicked off the flags at those places, he complained. Submitting a memorandum to the DM and the SP he demanded punitive measures against the offending policemen. He alleged that the police committed all these following instructions from the CPI-M.

 

Denying the allegations, Cooch Behar SP Mr Anil Kumar said the police chased away bandh supporters to clear traffic movement along the roads. 70 persons were arrested for obstructing traffic movement, he said. []