Bihar Bandh evokes mixed response in Bhojpur

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Ara : Bihar Bandh called by the RJD supported by the Congress and RLSP in protest against NRC and CAA evoked mixed response in Bhojpur district. Bhojpur district administration had made elaborate security arrangement to tackle law and order during the bandh. Almost all the schools, colleges, private offices, petrol pumps remained closed in the district while attendance in government offices and even in the court was thin.

The bandh supporters took out procession from different parts of Bhojpur district and forced the traders and businessmen to down their shutters. They reached Ara Railway Station to stop the trains but the district administration had deputed police force there and as the bandh supporters reached there, police foiled their bid even to enter the railway station.

The bandh supporters burnt tyres on roads and blocked Ara-Patna road near Patel Bus Stand, Ara-Mohania NH-30 main road, Ara-Sasaram main road, Jagdishpur-Nayaka Tola main road, Dharhara road, Gopali Chowk and other places paralysing  movement of vehicles since morning. All types of vehicles barring a few were off the road. The bandh supporters went on rampage and damaged a number of shops. They also scuffled with police at Ara railway station when police prevented them from going to the platform to stop trains. They also pelted policemen with stones forcing them to chase them away.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders vehemently criticised NRC and CAA saying they are unconstitutional and alleged that PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Sah were trying to divide the society on caste and religion line. RJD MLA from Ara Anwar Alam alias Nawaz Alam, RJD MLA from Barhara Saroj Yadav, former RJD district president Bijyendra Yadav, District Board Chairperson Arti Devi, District president, Congress, Triveni Singh, Mukesh Yadav, RLSP leader, Jagdish Kushwaha and others were seen in the processions.