Strike has little impact in West Bengal

KOLKATA: There was little impact of the two-day strike called by central trade unions on the first day today in West Bengal with situation being normal and peaceful across the state.

Shops and markets were mostly open in the metropolis. Private buses and taxis were less, though state buses were present in large number on the roads, police sources said.

Barring blockades at Hasnabad and Diamond sections of the Eastern Railway, train services were normal in Howrah and Sealdah divisions, the sources said.

Flight schedule was also normal at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Commissioner of Kolkata Police Surajit Karpurakayastha was on the roads in the morning to review security.

"Everything is absolutely normal," he said. ADG (law and order) Banibrata Basu said no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.

The West Bengal government has issued a warning to employees against being absent during the strike.

The state government has also asked shops and markets to remain open or face administrative action, including cancellation of trade licence.

CITU leaders have criticised the state government for this saying that it was undemocratic and illegal.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that her administration would ensure that life was normal and there would be no shutdown in the state.

She has also said that the government would pay in case of damage caused during the strike.