Bandh throws life out of gear in Tarai

Far-western districts also affected by bandh calls

Itahari, August 26:

The last day of the five-day Madhes bandh called by the Madhesi Mukti Tigers (MMT) threw normal life out of gear in various districts of the Tarai today.

The MMT cadres, on the charge of defying the bandh, vandalised five vehicles at Duhabi of Sunsari and the Koshi Barrage last night. They vandalised three microbuses at Duhabi and a truck and a bus in Koshi Barrage, police said.

No vehicles plied and educational institutions, industries and business houses remained shut in Saptari. There was effect of the bandh in Rajbiraj, Bhardaha, Kalyanpur, Kanchanpur, Basain and Humannagar areas as well.

In Sarlahi, a few day buses plied on long routes on the Mahendra Highway. However, night buses plied unobstructed under the escort of the police.

There was also minor effect of bandh in Janakpur, Mahottari, Siraha, Rautahat and Parsa. The MMT called the bandh demanding that those killed during the Madhes agitation be declared martyrs, compensation to the victims, withdrawal of cases against the Madhesi fighters and action against suppressers of the agitation.

Meanwhile, a report from Dhangadhi said life in the far-Western region was affected due to the bandhs called by two different groups today. Samyukta Tharu Rastriya Mukti Morcha (STRMM) coordinated by Laxman Tharu, demanding the release of its central member Surendra Chaudhari, called bandh in five districts of the Far West today.

Meanwhile, squatters demanding land, food and shelter have called indefinite period of strike in the region from Saturday. The STRMM cadres vandalised four motorbikes, the Kailali District Police Office said.

Squatters also took out a rally in Dhangadhi. The participants of the rally chanted slogans. Transport service in the region and Dhangadhi bazaar was closed, however, government offices, schools and medical shops were open.

There was no remarkable effect of the bandhs in the hilly districts of the region.

Mahendranagar bazaar was totally closed and traffic in Mahendranagar-Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar-Gaddachauki roads was also closed.