Left calls 12-hour bandh in West Bengal

The Left parties in West Bengal have called for a 12-hour bandh across the state on Friday (February 12) to protest a police crackdown on students marching towards Nabanna (state secretariat) that took place on Thursday (February 11).
 

Around 150 protesters and 15 policemen were injured after Left and Congress workers were prevented from reaching the Nabanna in Howrah, resulting in clashes at several places in Kolkata.
 

After the incident took place, Left Front Chairman Biman Basu, decided to hold a 12-hour statewide strike on Friday. 
 

Biman Bose said, “The way police unleashed atrocities on the participants in the march to Nabanna, it created a situation somewhat akin to the historic Jallianwala Bagh incident.”
 

Kolkata police claimed that the protestors tried to break the barricades and did not listen despite several warnings. Therefore, the police had to launch teargas, water cannons and use batons. Protesters say the use of force was brutal and unprecedented.
 

After the crackdown, the police rescued the injured and rushed them to the hospital. CPM leader Md Salim claimed 500 protesters were injured. The police say about 20.

The Bengal government has opposed the bandh call and issued a notice saying all government employees must attend office on Friday and no casual leave will be granted and traffic disruption will not be accepted as an excuse.