Banking operations affected for second day

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 (UNI) Banking operations in Kerala were affected for the second day today, following the two-day nation-wide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) in protest against the Centre's plan to merge banks and seeking higher salaries.

The agitating employees held demonstrations in front of banks.

Even the private sector banks closed their offices in some places.

Many banks could not open due to shortage of staff.

A report from Kozhikode said banking operations, including clearing, in the Malabar region were affected.

New generation banks such as ICICI, HDFC, AXIS and Centurian also closed their branches in Kozhikode following intervention by those supporting the strike, Bank Employees Federation of India Joint Secretary A K Ramesh told UNI.

Later the strikers, numbering about 300, held a demonstration before the State Bank of India office at Mananchira in the city, he added.

UNI PN/PCH SV AS1705