PUDUCHERRY: Normal life was hit as the dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the AIADMK to urge the Central government to support the US resolution against Sri Lanka in the UNHRC and to condemn the state government’s silence on the issue, evoked good response here on Wednesday.Nearly 25 people were arrested by the police during the bandh, which was largely peaceful barring a few minor incidents.AIADMK state secretary and party MLA, A Anbazhagan, expressed happiness over the response of the people in making the bandh a success and termed it as a “victory for Tamil people.” He thanked party general secretary and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for taking a firm stand in urging the Centre to support the US resolution. The AIADMK leader also thanked the CPI, Naam Thamizhar Iyakkam, Thamizhar Kalam and the All India Forward Bloc for extending their support to the bandh.Majority of the shops and other business establishments were closed. Buses, both private and government, were off the road. Auto rickshaws, which operated in the morning, went off the roads later in the day.Government offices and banks functioned normally, but the employees were forced to make their own transport arrangements to reach their respective offices. Majority of the private schools declared holiday.Majority of the petrol pumps and liquor shops downed their shutters during the day. The shops and other establishment of the usually busy Nehru Street, Mission Street, MG Street and Anna Salai wore a deserted look. PRTC, SETC and TNSTC buses were seen in operation till about 9 am with police escorts. But the government bus services from the new bus stand were suspended and the passengers bound for Cuddalore and Villupuram were seen stranded. A government bus was stoned by pro-bandh activists near Muthialpet and two tempos were damaged near the GH.Twenty-five people belonging to Thamizhar Kalam were arrested in the town limits after they tried to stage a road blockade.Normal life not affected at KaraikalThe dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the Puducherry unit of AIADMK on Wednesday evoked partial response at Karaikal, normal life remained unaffected.On Wednesday morning, some shops remained closed in the town. But, they were all opened later on. Government buses plied with police protection. Government offices, schools and colleges functioned as usual. Tight police security had been provided in the town. Many political parties, including CPI, VCK had offered their support for the bandh.
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