Strike cripples banking operations

Bhopal, Dec 14 (UNI) Banking operations in Madhya Pradesh remained crippled as about 15,000 employees today joined in the nation-wide strike to protest against privatisation and outsourcing of work.

Insurance and other Central Government employees also joined in the one-day strike called by the Leftist trade unions against the ''anti-labour'' police of the UPA government.

Bank transaction worth Rs 70,000 crore were affected in 3000 bank branches in the state, MP Bank Employees Association spokesman Gunasekharan said.

Bank employees, led by Mr V K Sharma, took out a rally here in the New Market area. Insurance and Central Government employees took out separate rallies.

Reports from other centres in the state said the agitation was total and peaceful.

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