Strike evokes partial response in Pondy

Puducherry, Aug 20 (UNI) The general strike called by the major trade unions to protest the 'anti-people' policy of the Centre and hike in petro products evoked partial response in Union Territory today.

All buses and other modes of transport plied. Shops and other business establishments were open and school functioned as usual.

Two of the three major textile mills were working with near total attendance while the AFT mill was functioning with thin attendence.

All government offices were working with poor attendence as employees affiliated to the Left trade unions kept away from work.

The functioning of the Jipmer hospital here was not affected despite members of the Jipmer Health Employees Association staging a one-hour demonstration in front of the hospital reception counter.

However, banking sector was affected as all banks barring the State Bank of India and it's associate banks remained closed.

Elaborate security arrangements were made to maintain law and order. Police pickets were posted in all vulnerable areas and mobile patrolling was intensified.

The strike was by and large peaceful so far.

UNI PAB SP KN1328