Maharashtra shuts in solidarity with Lakhimpur victims: shops shut, stone pelting reported

Maharashtra is witnessing a day-long bandh to express solidarity with the farmers who have been demanding rollback of the three contentious farm laws for over a year now.

The strike has been called by the ruling parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, an alliance of the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Congress- against the violence perpetrated on protesting farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri of Uttar Pradesh.

Following a request from Shivsena and other party leaders, the President of Retail Traders Welfare Association in the western state has said shops will remain shut in Mumbai and adjoining areas till 4 pm.

Also watch: PM has time to visit Lucknow but not Lakhimpur Kheri: Priyanka

Meanwhile, BJP MLA, Atul Bhatkhalkar, said that BJP will oppose any attempt to suppress traders, farmers, labourers in the name of the bandh.

According to a report from the Times of India, at least nine BEST buses have been damaged so far by unknown persons who pelted stones in various places.

BEST officials said that only four buses are operating across Mumbai.

The Mumbai Police has also deployed more forces on the streets of the maximum city to stop things from going out of control.