Bandh call evokes partial response in Puducherry

Puducherry, Mar 15: The bandh call given by the Federation of Village Panchayat Presidents' Associations to exert pressure on the government for devolution of powers to elected local body representatives evoked a partial response here today.

All shops and business establishments remained closed and private buses and three-wheeler passenger tempos kept off the road.

However, state-run buses and autorickshaws plied as usual. All government offices, schools, textile mills and industrial estates are functioning normally. A few private schools have declared a holiday today.

Police have made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order and strict vigil is being maintained at vulnerable areas here.No untoward incidents were reported from any part of the union territory so far.

The shopkeepers and private bus operators joined the bandh despite a local court yesterday granting interim injunction on the issue.

UNI