PLFI bandh makes partial impact, vehicles burnt

Ranchi, Oct 23 (UNI) The PLFI sponsored 24-hour Jharkhand bandh, which began from mid-night last night, today evoked mixed response with reports of torching of vehicles in some areas.

The PLFI's presence could be mainly felt at small places like Torpa, Rania, Kamdara, Marcha, Dorma, Angrabari, Kara as normal life was affected in these places following the bandh.

Reports from Chatra said bandh was successful in the district and no untoward incident took place.

About 12 vehicles were torched in different places across the state during the bandh hours but police refused to link them to naxalite activites.

Early today, a truck was set on fire on Ratu road here, which police termed ''an act of miscreants''.

The impact of bandh could also be seen in Khunti district, adjacent to the state capital.

Police spokesperson S N Pradhan said security was tightened and all precautions taken in districts of Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Simdega, Gumla, Chaibasa and Chatra to meet any eventuality.

Life was normal and traffic ran smoothly in the state capital.

However, railway services were disrupted following agitation in Bihar.

The People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) had called the bandh to protest the killing of one of its cadres -- Sikandar Yadav recently at Hazaribagh.

UNI TEAM PRS KK ARB CS1924