CPI-M calls for 12-hour shutdown in Siliguri

The Communist party of India-Marxist called for a total shutdown on Thursday in Siliguri over their demand for the release of their leaders arrested during the clash between their party leaders and supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress party.

CPI-M leader Joy Chakraborty said that the people of the district, along with the party members, condemned the incident.

"We have called for a shutdown in the entire Darjeeling district against the arrest of our leaders by the police. The common man is also extending support towards this shutdown. All the shops are closed and public transport is not plying on the roads. Through this shutdown, it has been proved that all the people of our district are against the incident," he said.

Earlier, police baton charged the protesters after TMC members entered into a scuffle with the supporters of the CPI-M on Wednesday. Reportedly, nearly 25 CPI-M supporters, including senior leaders Ashok Bhattacharya and Jibesh Sarkar, were detained from the party office.

According to media reports, protesters of TMC and CPI-M got into a spat that further lead to stone-pelting from both sides.

Silguri wore a deserted look on Thursday as shops remained closed while public transport remained off the roads.