Shutdown against price rice cripples life

A day-long shutdown against price rise has crippled normal life in Bihar with railway and road traffic getting thrown out of gear from early morning today.

The call for shutdown has been given by 13 political parties including Rashtriya Janata Dal, Lok Janshakti Party, AIIDMK, Left and many trade unions.

Police said the protestors have blocked trains in many parts of the state by squatting on the tracks and putting up banners and posters there.

There are reports of protestors blocking rail traffic in Gaya, Ara, Begusarai and Samastipur districts.

Keeping in view the shutdown, many schools in the state have announced closure today.

Officials said the state government has made adequate security arrangements and deployed forces at troubled pockets in view of the shutdown.