- विज्ञापन -
Kolkata: West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, daily life was disrupted on Monday due to a 24-hour bandh called by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bangiya Hindu Mahamancha. The strike was organized in response to an assault on their activists on May 29, which occurred after they attempted to prevent the alleged illegal transportation and smuggling of beef in the region.
At the time of reporting, seven protesters supporting the bandh had been detained by Siliguri Metropolitan Police. They were apprehended at Jalpai Crossing while picketing with flags of their organizations in support of the strike. Additionally, supporters of the bandh blocked roads at Hasmi Chawk, causing traffic congestion, but police promptly cleared the area.
Across Siliguri, protesters were seen demonstrating at key crossings and markets, leading to reduced bus services—many private buses were off the roads, and fewer passengers traveled on government-operated buses than usual.
The organizers claimed that local residents and business owners are voluntarily supporting the strike, angered by the recent incidents of beef smuggling and the activities of those involved.
The tension arose on May 29 when allegations surfaced of illegal beef transportation in Matigara, prompting protests by the VHP, Bangiya Hindu Mahamancha, and local people blocking roads and accusing local police of complicity. Following this, some miscreants involved in beef smuggling attacked activists and vandalized the home of one activist, escalating the situation.
