Strikes Stir Nationwide Clashes in West Bengal

Kolkata: On Wednesday, scuffles broke out between supporters of a nationwide general strike and police forces in several areas of West Bengal. The striking action, endorsed by 10 central trade unions and Left parties, was staged in protest against issues such as "liberalisation, rising essential commodity prices, joblessness, increased contractual work, and other pressing matters."

DYFI and CPI(M) workers clashed with the police in the Ganguly Bagan area of south Kolkata, attempting to occupy roadways. Among those detained was SFI leader Srijan Bhattacharya, who claimed that the police employed undue force to disperse their peaceful demonstration.

Bidisha Kalita Dasgupta, Deputy Commissioner of Kolkata Police, South Suburban Division, and other senior officers were on-site to facilitate normal traffic flow. "The situation is under control. Our focus is on maintaining smooth transport movement," she remarked.

In Malda Town, Left supporters were intercepted while marching in support of the strike. Reports from Domjur in Howrah noted police resorted to baton charges to disperse road-blocking protestors. Across north Bengal, efforts to clear roads of strike supporters continued as they attempted various blockages.

Attempts to disrupt train services were also recorded, with strike supporters trying to halt trains in the Diamond Harbour area of the Sealdah South section and at Shyamnagar in Eastern Railways' Sealdah division's North section.

Anticipating disruptions, the West Bengal government orchestrated additional transport options and heightened security measures to ensure everyday life proceeded unaffected by the strike, which commenced at 6 a.m.

Police forces were deployed strategically across prominent areas to guarantee unimpeded traffic.

Anadi Sahu, President of West Bengal CITU, remarked that 10 central trade unions advocated the strike in opposition to "liberalisation, soaring essential prices, unemployment, and the rise in contractual work, among other issues." The strike, also backed by the Left parties, contested the new labor codes and the privatization of PSUs.

The central government argues that over 1,200 sections in 44 existing central labor laws have been simplified into four codes for the benefit of the working class. However, Left unions and parties express concerns that these new codes may adversely affect workers' interests.

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress government, which has helmed West Bengal since 2011, mandated all its employees to report to work on the day of the strike. The party opposes any form of bandh in the state, citing the economic setback due to a loss of mandays.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)