Mixed response to 'Bharat Bandh' in first-half of day in capital

New Delhi, Jul 3 (UNI) Road blockades at places, protests, sloganeering and demonstrating crowds in pockets in the capital marked the first half of the day of today's BJP-VHP sponsored 'Bharat Bandh' which has evoked a mixed response among the trading fraternity.

While a major jam was reported at Vikas Marg, which was lifted after police intervened, several other areas in East Delhi like Preet Vihar, Mayur Vihar, Noida More near Akshardham witnessed blocking of roads and widespread protests.

In Laxmi Nagar two buses were damaged after a crowd threw stones and smashed window panes. However, no one was injured.

Demonstrations and slogan shouting mobs marching on streets were also witnessed near Karkardooma courts, Vikas Marg and Mother Dairy areas.

Minor clashes were also reported in Laxmi Nagar area when demonstrators forcibly tried to pull down shutters.

Asia's largest furniture market on Jail Road in West Delhi also observed a complete 'bandh'.

Sit-in 'dharnas' were witnessed at Madhuban Chowk in North-West Delhi and pockets of Karol Bagh area, though the main arterial roads of the city like Patel Road and Pusa Road leading to Connaught Place remained relatively clog-free.

In South Delhi's Maharani Bagh and Ashram areas, at DND toll bridge junction, traffic was blocked by protestors, but were later eased after the locals intervened.

Various prominent market places like Karol Bagh, Panchkuian Road and Paharganj saw partial 'bandh' while Connaught Place remained open.

According to the police, no major incidence had been reported so far and the law and order situation in the capital was well under controll till around 1300 hrs.

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