A near-total bandh observed in Puducherry over not constituting CMB by Centre

The bandh was to condemn the  BJP-led NDA government at the centre  for its failure to constitute the Cauvery Management  Board (CMB) as directed by the Supreme court  and to press for its immediate constitution.

All shops and other business establishments remained closed, Puducherry Road Transport corporation buses, private buses, taxis, autorickshaws and three wheeler passenger tempos were off the roads.

The Tamil Nadu government owned buses passing through Puducherry entered the Union territory in the morning and it was stopped at the border areas as the wind screen of four buses were damaged.

Industrial units in all the industrial estates remained closed, Cinema houses suspended shows and private schools declared a holiday for the day postponing annual examination scheduled for today to another day.

Meanwhile, both central and state government offices functioned with thin attendance and government schools also functioned with less number of students. Engineering colleges, some medical colleges and arts and science colleges also declared a holiday for the day.

The agitators blocked buses carrying students of some medical colleges and sent them back.

Volunteers of the DMK and allies led by R Siva MLA took out a procession this morning. When they reached Nellithoppe junction, they saw two Tamil Nadu government  buses and smashed its windscreen. 

The windscreen of one bus was shattered at New Bus stand and another at Muthialpet in stone pelting.

The volunteers  also broke the glass panes at a petrol pump at Karamanikuppam  which was opened forcing the proprietor to close it.

Meanwhile, police made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order. Police pickets were posted at all vulnerable areas and patrolling was intensified.

The bandh was supported  by the ruling Congress party, CPI, CPI-M, VCK, Puthiya Neethi Katchi, Republican Party of India,  adaippali Makkal Katchi and among others.