Bandh affects life in Dhangadhi

Dhangadhi, July 13:

The five-day bandh organised by businessmen against syndicate system crippled life here today. All industries, factories, commercial houses and shops in the largest commercial hub in the far western region, Dhangadhi, and adjoining areas remained shut.

Kailali Chambers of Commerce and Industries had called the bandh demanding compensation for the vehicles vandalised yesterday by Seti Mahakali Truck Entrepreneurs’ Committee, which favours the syndicate system. The protesters also demanded punishment to the miscreants.

The protesting businessmen organised a protest rally.

They hurled stones on the vehicle of Chief District Officer Chhetra Bahadur Bhandari while he was returning from a programme.

CDO Bhandari assured the businessmen that the miscreants would be arrested, general secretary of the chambers of commerce and industries Dinesh Bhandari said. He added that Kailali customs office, taxation office and land revenue office would be padlocked tomorrow if no arrests were made till this evening. Businessmen alleged that the administration failed to provide security to the truckers who plied vehicles opposing the syndicate system.

The District Administration Office at a meeting with the president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries Kush Kumar Joshi had assured security to the trucks that defied the syndicate system.

The bandh also hit life in the hilly districts of the far western region. Shortage of daily consumer goods, food grains and medicines was felt there.