Violence reported in many parts of the country on the first day of Bharat Bandh called by 11 trade unions. The protesters vandalised cars, setting vehicles on fire in Noida forcing others to observe the two-day strike against fuel price hike, inflation and less wage.
However, the situation was brought under control after the authorities spoke to senior leaders of some trade union groups requesting them to calm down.
The violence erupted after a trade union leader was killed in Ambala during the nationwide bandh on Wednesday morning. He was crushed by a bus that triggered chaos in the area. The Haryana Roadways staff stopped the buses from the depot.
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) condemned the incident saying the strike would continue for two days, which will result in a huge loss to the government.
The two-day strike is also supported by various trade unions, Left, the pro-Congress INTUC and pro-BJP BMS. The trade unions called for the nationawide bandh to mount pressure on the government to meet their 10 demands. They raised voice against price rise and fuel price hike. They demanded to implement the labour laws in all work places, to increase social security for workers in unorganised sectors, raising minimum wage to Rs 10,000 a month.
The normal life has come to stand still due to 48-hour strike across the country. The buses and autos were off roads and banks and factories remained closed today.