Dhanbad, May 2: The Left- sponsored bandh in protest against police firings at Kusunda and Islam Nagar evoked a mixed response today.

Both private and public vehicles were seen on the roads. Autos plied between Jharia and Dhanbad as well as Dhanbad and Katras. Some private and government schools and a few banks remained open while commercial institutions and shops were closed in Dhanbad town. However, shops in rural areas did not down shutters. Although government offices were open, attendance was poor.

Left supporters tried to enforce the bandh in different areas, including Nirsa and Govindpur, leading to the arrests of over 20 people in Govindpur.

In Nirsa, bandh supporters led by local MLA Arup Chatterjee arrived at National Highway 2 at 8am and blocked it for more than three hours. Speaking to The Telegraph, Chatterjee said it was sad that while Bharat Coking Coal Limited had announced a compensation of Rs 2.4 lakh each for the family of those who died at the Kusunda firing, the government was yet to take any step. He demanded that the state should provide at least Rs 10 lakh each to the families. Chatterjee courted arrested along with 59 other supporters at Nirsa police station. They were later released.

Earlier, more than 100 supporters led by district spokesman of CPI(ML) Subal Das and Marxist Co-ordination Committee Govindpur block president Nilu Mukherjee had taken out a rally from Subhash Chowk. They moved towards National Highway 2 and blocked it for more than 10 minutes. A team led by officer in charge of Govindpur police station Budhram Oraon arrived at the scene and arrested the protesters after which the blockade was lifted.

Business hit

Hazaribagh: Businessmen here downed shutters in support of the Left-sponsored bandh on Monday. Leaders of CPI, CPM, Marxist Co-ordination Committee and Forward Bloc hit the streets with party workers to ensure the bandh was successful. Ranchi-Patna Highway near District More was blocked for three hours.