Bank operations paralysed, ATM queues grow long

The first day of the two-day nationwide shutdown called by 11 trade unions and bank unions resulted in long lines at ATMs, shutters down in banks and curtailment of transport services in Hyderabad.

An opportunist strike called by the auto unions, however, had only a partial impact.

The forecast for Thursday, the second day of the strike, is more of the same, particularly impairment of banking.

Nationwide, a union leader was killed in Haryana and factories were damaged in the Delhi suburb of Noida in sporadic violence on the first day. Kerala, Tripura and Bihar were the worst-hit states.

The strike death was reported from Ambala in Haryana, where a bus driver was killed when he tried to stop a bus that was being taken out of the local depot. In Noida, workers clashed with factory owners in a hosiery complex and set ablaze vehicles, prompting authorities to call in the Provincial Armed Constabulary.

In Hyderabad, the closure of banks led to a frenzy among customers who were seen queuing up at ATMs. Although the strike had been announced in advance, many were caught off-guard.

The two-day auto strike, however, had less of an impact as many drivers were unaware of the bandh. Many drivers who are not members of any of the unions braved the strike enforcers in the inner streets.

“On Thursday we will ensure a complete bandh,” said union leader Amanullah Khan.

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The New Indian Express
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