Kolkata, 9 July (H.S.):
The nationwide Bharat Bandh called by ten central trade unions against the central government’s labour policies witnessed significant unrest in parts of West Bengal on Wednesday, particularly in South Kolkata’s Jadavpur area.
The tension escalated when protestors, while burning effigies with garbage and tyres, inadvertently caused a fire that spread to a nearby shop. In the chaos that followed, a policeman's shoe reportedly caught fire as he tried to help douse the flames. The incident took place near the 8B bus stand in Jadavpur, leading to a tense atmosphere at the protest site.
Several processions were taken out by Left-affiliated supporters in locations such as Gangulibagan, Bagha Jatin station, and Jadavpur railway station. At Bagha Jatin station, protestors demonstrated on the platform holding placards and shouting slogans. However, officials claimed that train services remained unaffected.
In another incident, bandh supporters blocked the BT Road near Provatak Jute Mill in Belgharia, leading to heated arguments with vehicle drivers.
Tensions were also high in Domjur, Howrah, where Communist Party of India (Marxist) activists tried to stop buses and trucks early in the day. In some cases, passengers were made to disembark from buses and lorries. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and police intervened, resorting to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the protestors. Two CPI(M) workers sustained injuries and were admitted to Domjur Rural Hospital. Two individuals were detained by police.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government took a firm stance against the bandh. In an official directive from Nabanna, it was announced that all government and government-aided offices would remain open. Employees were barred from taking casual or half-day leave, with a warning that one day's salary would be deducted from those absent without valid reason. Exemptions were granted only in cases of serious illness, hospitalisation, or bereavement in the family.
All departments were asked to submit attendance reports for the day. The administration remains on alert to ensure public safety and maintain normalcy during the bandh.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
