Bara, June 14:

A shutdown called by the Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha-Jwala Singh (JTMM-J) today affected normal life in districts of the eastern and mid-Tarai.

The one-day bandh was called to mark the third death anniversary of JTMM-J cadre Dev Narayan Yadav. Yadav was killed by security forces in 2004.

While JTMM-J cadres torched a tractor in Bara for plying during the bandh, an unidentified person opened fired at a truck (Ga 1 Kha 2815) headed for Hetauda from Birgunj, assistant sub-inspector of police Birendra Yadav said. He added that truck owner Ram Lakhan Shrestha, who was travelling in the vehicle, was safe.

In Sunsari, JTMM-J cadres seized over seven motorbikes from Inaruwa, Jalpapur, Chimadi, Harinagara, Babiya and some other places. JTMM-J Sunsari coordinator Ajad Sen said the motorcycles were seized for defying the bandh.

In Janakpur, JTMM-J cadres torched a truck and two motorbikes and also seized 14 two-wheelers. All educational institutions, markets and industries there were closed, while vehicles chose not to venture out on the roads.

A report from Rajbiraj said that except for pharmacies, educational institutions and industries were closed in Saptari district, while transport services came to a grinding halt.

A report from Rautahat said educational institutions were closed in Gaur and vehicles stayed off the roads.

The East-West Highway and Birendra Highway wore a deserted look.

JTMM-J cadres seized three tractors from Santapur on Birendra Highway, JTMM-J district chairperson Sher Singh said.