Shutdown affects normal life in West Bengal

Kolkata/ Siliguri,Feb 6 : The 24-hour state-wide shutdown called by the Forward Bloc has affected normal life in West Bengal.

Businesses remained closed and roads were deserted in Kolkata where the Forward Bloc took to the streets waving party flags and shouting slogans.

Commuters and office goers had to face problems because of the shortage of the public transport.

"We have to reach office in time, the company doesn't listen to all this. We face lots of problems," said Kishore Chowdhury, a commuter.

Many passengers were stranded at both Howrah and Sealdah stations because of disruption in railway services.

Altogether 125 shutdown supporters were arrested so far from different parts of the city, while road blockades were put up by them at Rajabazar, Shyambazar, S N Banerjee Road and Howrah Bridge, besides some other places.

In Siliguri, life was also affected as shops and other business remained closed in response to the shutdown call.

Meanwhile, the death toll in Tuesday's police firing in Dinhata climbed to six with a member of the National Volunteer Force, Krishna Kanta Burman, succumbing to injuries. On Tuesday, four Forward Bloc activists were killed and several others were injured when police opened fire on party supporters, who turned violent during an agitation programme at Dinhatta in Cooch Behar District.

A large police force has been deployed in the area to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

The opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress, the Congress party and the Socialist Unity Centre of India (SUCI) have supported the shutdown call.

ANI