ITAHARI:The bandh called by the UCPN-Maoist-affiliated Limbuwan Rastriya Mukti Morcha to protest the President's move to reinstate the army chief affected life in nine districts of the eastern region on Wednesday.

Sunsari, Morang, Jhapa, Ilam, Dhankuta, Terhathum and Panchthar districts witnessed effects of the bandh. The bandh enforcers demonstrated in places halting the traffic.

In Itahari, roads bore a deserted look and businesses remained closed. Two wheelers, however, were allowed to ply.

Educational institutions, business houses and industries remained shut. According to District Police Office Sunsari, agitators vandalised seven vehicles in Itahari, Tarahara, Dharan, Inaruwa and Jhumka areas.

The agitators vandalised a pickup van in Phidim for defying the bandh. A taxi faced the wrath of the Maoist activists in Yangnam VDC. Vehicles, markets and educational institutions remained out of operation while a motorcycle was attacked.

In the afternoon, a demonstration greeted the Phidim town. In Ilam, about two dozen shops were vandalised.

Agitators stormed into the office of Ilam Municipality and padlocked the office of District Development Committee.

Meanwhile, government offices, market places and educational institutions remained closed in Taplejung district.