BHARAT BANDH UPDATES: Violence Reported in West Bengal, Normal Life Hit in Odisha & Kerala

The two-day nationwide strike called by the Central Trade Union will continue today (9th January) after witnessing several incidences of violence on the first day. The strike, which is called by 10 major trade unions, is against the PM Modi-led-BJP government’s alleged anti-worker policies and unilateral labour reforms.

As per media reports, around 20 crore workers of the state and central government took part in the countrywide strike that started on 8th January. The strike has been called by a association of 10 central trade unions and received support from various organisations including AITUC, CITU, AIUTUC, AICCTU, HMS, TUCC, together with employees from the banking and insurance sector.

Farmers’ bodies like All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and Bhumi Adhikar Andolan also took part in the two-day strike. The trade unions got full support from almost all major independent federations of central employees, state employees and employees of insurance, banks and other service sectors.

The full-day strike had a big impact in Left-dominated states of West Bengal and Kerala. The strike was also visible in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Odisha, Manipur, Meghalaya, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Goa, Punjab and Haryana.

Two students were reportedly injured after protesters pelted stones at a bus near Shanpur Mor in West Bengal’s Howrah district.  The Bengal government then ordered bus drivers to wear helmets to prevent further mishap. On the other hand, CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty along with few protesters was detained by the police for taking part in the violence. Sporadic violence was reported in Odisha, West Bengal and Kerala on the first day of strike. Tyres were burnt and government vehicles were vandalised in West Bengal. Protesters also blocked roads and obstructed railway services in all the three states yesterday.

Meanwhile, education institutions including schools and colleges and commercial establishments are likely to remain closed in several states across the country.