Normal life in Uttaranchal was affected due to the day-long statewide bandh called by local businessmen today to protest against alleged police high-handedness that led to widespread protests in Hardwar. The bandh was near-total across the state and was by and large peaceful. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the state, including Hardwar where curfew was relaxed for a few hours during the day, official sources said.Markets, business establishments, schools, colleges, banks and financial institutions remained closed and vehicles stayed off the roads as most traders’ organisations, particularly those owing allegiance to the Opposition BJP, actively supported the day-long bandh.The Ardh Kumbh, too, came to an end with only a few hundreds taking the holy dip in the Ganges. The state government has also been facing flak from various quarters for alleged irregularities in preparations for the Ardh Kumbh.
