Muslim organisations' protest throws traffic in disarray

Kolkata, Nov 16(UNI) Movement of vehicular traffic was thrown out of gear in the city and some areas of the state, as Paschimbanga Milli Ittehad Parishad, a joint forum of 12 Muslim organisations, organised a four-hour road and rail blockade in protest against the "CPI(M) terror" at Nandigram.

In the city's Park Circus area a mob blocked the seven-point crossing halting traffic and leading to a severe snarl elsewhere, official reports said.

Shops were also closed between one and five pm in some areas as a mark of protest against the Nandigram incidents.

Milli Ittehadul Parishad President Siddiqullah Choudhury called the four-hour shutdown yesterday and announced to organise a 'March to Nandigram' on November 24 for restoration of peace and return of the homeless in the strife-torn area.

The joint forum also demanded resignation of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee "in the interest of the people of the state".

Mr. Chowdhury demanded that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh send a parliamentary delegation to Nandigram for looking into the situation there.

The forum comprised, among others, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, All India Minority Forum, Milli Council, Indian National League and Jamiat-e-Islami Hind.

UNI