Mixed response to BJP-VHP bandh in J'khand

Ranchi, Jul 03 (UNI) The dawn-to-dusk 'Bharat Bandh' called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and supported by the BJP to protest the cancellation of land transfer to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) in Jammu and Kashmir evoked mixed response in Jharkhand today.

Police said about 60 BJP supporters, including former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, who tried to shut down shops forcibly at various localities and block roads near downtown Elbart Ekka Chowk here, were detained.

In Koderma district, about 35 bandh suporters were arrested for blocking the Ranchi-Patna (NH 31) road.

Reports from various districts said government offices remained open, but were marked by lean attendance.

However, long distance vehicular traffic was affected throughout the state.

In Ranchi, most of the schools remained closed and shopping complexes also downed shutters.

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