Agartala: The nationwide shutdown called by 10 central trade unions failed to evoke much response in Tripura on Thursday.Govt offices, banks, educational institutions, and markets remained open, while road transport and train services operated as usual across the state.A large group of CPM leaders, led by the leader of opposition in the assembly Jitendra Chaudhury and former chief minister Manik Sarkar, picketed in support of the bandh at Paradise Chowmuhani in Agartala in the morning.Chaudhury claimed people have supported the bandh called for safeguarding the interests of the farmers and labourers. “The Modi govt has been trying to sell the country to the US, ignoring the interests of the working class. The Indo-US deal is set to destroy the country’s farming sector,” he said.Sarkar alleged the BJP-led NDA govt at the Centre has forced the trade unions to call the strike for its anti-labour policies. “This strike is not the end of our movement. We will launch massive agitation opposing the Modi govt’s polices,” he said.Police said no untoward incident has been reported so far, and additional forces are keeping a watch on key locations, such as bus stops, railway stations and markets.“The impact of the nationwide strike was not felt in Tripura as life remains normal with govt offices, banks, educational institutions, and markets functioning as usual,” state police spokesperson Rajdeep Deb said.
