Lakhimpur violence protest: Maharashtra bandh ends peacefully, with only sporadic incidents reported

Commenting on the protest held against the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, Shiv Sena spokesman Anil Parab asserted, “Bandh was completely successful as most of the shops, commercial establishments and traders have spontaneously supported the farmers protest.”

Speaking in a similar vein, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole said, “Some minor incidents took place across the state, which the Congress party does not support. The people have seen that we have carried out a silent demonstration at the Raj Bhavan. We condemn the incidents which occurred in today’s bandh.”

Last night, there was incidence of stone pelting at the BEST buses, in which nine vehicles were damaged. Hence, the buses were off road from Monday afternoon.

There were however, reports of Shiv Sena workers thrashing rickshaw drivers plying in the neighbouring Thane district.

Though the APMC markets supported the bandh, few vendors opened their shops but later shut down, in support of the protest.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai local trains were running as usual on the central, western and harbour lines.

In Pune, the youth wings of Shiv Sena and NCP took out a bike rally as a “show of solidarity with farmers”. They asserted that they have not forced any trader to shut their shop.

In Pimpri Chinchwad suburb, the buses were plying as usual as the BJP rules the civic body.

In Kolhapur, Shiv Sainiks tried to block the national highway early this morning. They were later detained by police.