Bhairahawa, July 29:

Locals shut Bhairahawa today as part of the protest against Vice-President Paramananda Jha for taking oath of office and secrecy in Hindi.

The protesters obstructed the Siddhartha Highway for around four hours and burnt the effigy of the Vice-President.

A report from Siraha said Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (MJF) activists organised chakkajam in Asanpur Golbazaar on East-West Highway this morning, in favour of the Vice-President. MJF activists burnt tyres on the road and shouted slogans against the eight student unions who have spearheaded the protests against Jha. Vehicular movement and bazaars remained closed in Siraha.

The MJF had called a bandh in the district to protest the attack on MJF office in Kathmandu yesterday.

MJF supporters vandalised a taxi in Lahan for defying the bandh.

In Nawalparasi, MJF cadres shut down Parasi bazaar. In Bara, MJF activists organised a bandh in Kalaiya. MJF-affiliated youth and student activists burnt tyres in different parts of Kalaiya bazaar.

They also burnt copies of Kantipur and Naya Patrika dailies.

MJF supporters also closed Jitpur Parawanipur bazaar and obstructed vehicular movement on Birgunj-Pathlaiya road.