Shutdown hits life in Rajasthan

JAIPUR - Normal life was hit in major cities of Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, during the opposition’s call for a nationwide shutdown Monday against the fuel price hike.

Schools and colleges remained closed in Jaipur and markets were shut. Public transport, except for state roadways buses, remained off the roads, leaving commuters stranded.

Flights and train services were unaffected.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers disrupted vehicular movement on some roads, causing jams at Choti Chaupar, Badi Chaupar and Sodala areas.

As part of the protest, BJP activists closed shops and disrupted other services in the state.

“The bandh was peaceful with minor skirmishes between protesters and police in some areas of the city,” a police official said.

BJP general secretary and former chief minister Vasudhara Raje and senior party leaders Ram Das Agrawal and state BJP president Arun Chaturvedi courted arrest here.

The railways had deputed the Railway Protection Force at stations to ensure smooth running of trains.

In major cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Bikaner, public transport remained off the roads and major markets were closed.

Private schools, however, functioned in some cities including Alwar.