Kolkata unaffected by today's bands, similar situation in Siliguri but less vehicles plying

Kolkata unaffected by Friday’s nationwide strike called by 11 trade unions of the left front government.

Transport services have been reported to be normal since Friday morning. Almost every vehicle, from taxis to buses, is visibly in more numbers than expected in the roads. The numbers of passengers are also more than usual during strikes.

Passengers from the Kolkata Airport did not face any difficulty in getting proper transport services unlike other strikes, where they face problems in getting taxis or other means of transport.

357 police picket have been deployed throughout the city to avert any violence arising out of the strike. Special arrangements have been made for the government employees at the Nabanna. They were provided with food on Thursday night to enable them to stay in the offices, and perform their office duties on Friday and oppose the strike.

West Bengal Chief Minister left for the Vatican City early on Friday to attend the programme of Mother Teresa’s canonization. Before boarding on the plane, she gave a strong message to keep the city active and not allow having any effect of the strike in the city.

Kolkata remains unaffected with a few minor incidents reported from around the country on Friday. A rally has been reported from Jadavpur’s 8b bus stand, where both TMC and CPM workers have staged their protest in against and support for the strike, respectively. Barrackpore and Durgapur also remains unaffected. A few strikers attacked a bus in Cooch Behar. Workers were stopped from entering the Chengaiyel’s jute mill. It resulted in the clash between TMC and CPM workers.