Trade unions go on nationwide strike today
According to the leaders of Lefts' trade unions, the strike has been called for a twelve-point charter of demands, including halt of the privatization and disinvestment of public sector enterprises, an end to contractualization of jobs, a minimum wage of 18,000 rupees per month and an assured pension of 3000 rupees for all workers, including unorganized sector workers.
The strike has received mixed response in different parts of the country so far.
A Siliguri bound state bus vandalized, few strike-supporters detained in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal.
At least 25 bandh-supporters, including Siliguri Mayor Ashok Bhattacharya, have been arrested in Siliguri.
In north 24 parganas, Clash was reported between pro and anti-strike groups at Madhyamgram.
Mixed effect of strike was reported in Uluberia industrial zone in Howrah.
No effects in Haldia, Barrackpore, Durgapur industrial areas.
In state capital Kolkata, bandh-supporters engaged in verbal clash with the police at 8B area n Jadavpur.
CPI-M party office allegedly ransacked by TMC supporters in Garia.
The TMC has denied the matter.
Large number of state-run buses and few private buses are being spotted in Kolkata and its outskirts.
Taxis, luxury cabs, autos can be seen on the roads.
Kolkata Police have arranged a tight security in the city. 3000 policemen, including senior officials, are on roads.
Police pickets have been set up at 357 points in Kolkata.
While leaving for 8-day-long Europe tour, Mamata Banerjee told the media at Kolkata airport, "Strike could not effect in West Bengal. Life in the state is completely normal. I will ask the people of Bengal to keep the state normal like other days. Inform our administration if you face any trouble on roads, we will take immediate action."
In Odisha, Rail tracks have been blocked at several stations including Jaleswar, Balasore and Khurda Road. Many express trains are waiting at several stations in Odisha and at Kharagpur in West Bengal as well.
East-Coast Railway and South-Eastern Railway effected.
(Image: IBNS)
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