Bandh by anti-Gorkhaland organisation evokes mixed response in West Bengal

Normal life was partially affected in the city and adjoining areas during a 24-hour bandh called by an anti-Gorkhaland organisation.

The statewide bandh was called by Bangla-o-Bangla-Bhasa Bachaon Committee (BOBBBC) in protest against the state and the central government's "attempt to provide more autonomy and power to the hill council".

The impact of the shutdown was, however, limited mainly to Siliguri and adjoining areas and partially in Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar district where Bengalis and adivasis are predominant, officials said.

Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, banks and post offices remained closed and vehicles kept off the road. Attendance in government offices was also thin.

Ten pro-bandh activists were arrested from Hasmi Chawk here for allegedly trying to enforce the bandh, a police official said.

The Northeast Frontier Railways diverted the Sikkim Mahananda Express, Kamakhya-Danapur Express, Kanchankanya Express and Kamakhya-Puri Express trains, a railway official said.

Meanwhile, BOBBBC president Mukunda Majumder said "they would strengthen their movement if the government did not retreat from giving more power to the council which would make no difference from a statehood".