Trinamool bandh paralyses life in Bengal

Kolkata, Jun 06 (UNI) The 12-hour Bangla bandh, called by the opposition Trinamool Congress and SUCI, passed off by and large peacefully this afternoon ending a two-day crippling effect that gripped the state over agitation on the hike in fuel price.

While today's strike was called to press for an alternative Central policy to neutralise the effect of the fuel price rise, the ruling Left Front had observed a statewide shutdown yesterday demanding its rollback.

The opposition-sponsored bandh, which was to have ended at six p.m., was however, called off one-and-a-half-hours ahead as Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee felt that her purpose had been served.

"We decided to withdraw the bandh at 1630 hours considering the people's inconvenience. The purpose of the bandh has been served as we have got the people's support," she told reporters.

Inspector General of Police(Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said barring a few minor incidents, the bandh was peaceful. However, about 250 bandh supporters had been arrested all over the state on charges of obstructing roads and railway tracks.

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