Left calls for Begusarai bandh tomorrow

Begusarai, Mar 16 (UNI) The CPI and CPI(ML) today gave a joint call for 'Begusarai Bandh' tomorrow to protest the killing of two persons in police firing at Matihani block premises when a mob turned violent after the postponement of distribution of ration coupons among them.

State CPI secretary Badri Narain Lal and CPI(ML) leader Ram Autar Chaudhary said the bandh call had been given to protest the repressive measures adopted by the state government to gag the voices of the poor. They described the killing of the two innocent persons as unfortunate and said atrocities were on the rise during the Nitish regime.

Earlier during the day, police resorted to firing when a mob turned violent following the announcement of the district administration to postpone the scheduled programme of distribution of ration coupons among the people living Below Poverty Line (BPL).

The mob had also torched the building of the block office and damaged government vehicles to vent their anger over the non- distribution of ration coupons among them.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Sanjeev Hans said police personnel had been deployed in the area to maintain vigil to foil any attempt of creating disturbance. He described the situation as tense but under conrol.

The victims were identified as Vishwanath Shah and Baleshwar Shah -- both residents of the same locality, he said, adding two women who also sustained bullet injuries, had been admitted to a hospital.

UNI