Rautahat, August 18

Life was hit hard today due to the indefinite Madhes bandh called by Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, demanding nullification of the first draft of the new constitution, boundary demarcation of the six- province federal model and an autonomous Madhes pradesh in Tarai districts.

Due to the bandh, bazaars, government and private schools, banks, transportation among others came to a grinding halt. Short and long route buses stayed off the road as bandh enforcers torched tyres at different chowks and roads.

Marketplaces at Garuda, Shivanagar and Katahariya, among other rural markets and trading centres remained closed today. Cadres of the alliance staged a motorbike rally in Gaur. They obstructed vehicular movement by obstructing the road with felled tree logs.

All the industries, academic institutions, trading houses, transportation, banks etc remained closed today due to the Tarai general strike called in Birgunj.

Dhanusha, Mahottari and Sarlahi among other Tarai districts were also hit. Major markets in Janakpur, Chhireshwor Municipality, Mithila Municipality, Sabaila and Dhanushadham remained completely closed due to the bandh. Similarly, Jaleshwor, Balawa, Matihani bazaars of Mahottari also remained completely closed. Demonstrators torched tyres and staged protests throughout day on the main roads of the districts today.