Phidim, February 1 :

Normal life remained affected in Panchthar on the second day of the bandh called by ethnic organisations.

Agitators, saying that PM Girija Prasad Koirala’s address to the nation yesterday did not address their demands, said they would not withdraw bandh.

Ethnic organisations, including the Limbuwan Autonomous Forum, Federal Loktantrik Rastriya Forum, Limbuwan Rajyaparishad, Khumbuwan Rajyaparishad and Dhimal Rajyaparishad, demanding to include federal system, right to self-determination, ethnic autonomy and a republican set-up in the interim constitution, have called the bandh from January 31 to February 2.

All shops in Phidim bazaar were closed today. The distribution of citizenship certificates in Yasok, Syabruba and Ranigaun was postponed due to the bandh, member of the distribution team Kamal Poudel said.

A report from Udayapur said transport was halted in Gaighat, Katari, Rampur and Beltar due to the bandh called by the Janajati Coordination Struggle Committee.

In Ilam, Ilam bazaar remained closed and no vehicle plied on the streets. The bandh had a partial effect in Dhankuta.