Violence Erupts in Siliguri Amid VHP’s 24-Hour Shutdown
Tensions escalated in Siliguri as the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for a 24-hour shutdown, impacting several key areas of the city from Monday morning. Supporters of the VHP took to the streets, blocking roads and staging protests, particularly at the bustling Jankaar More on Bardhaman Road, where confrontations with law enforcement led to chaos.
Reports indicate that some shops were vandalized during the unrest, prompting a swift police response. Authorities arrested one individual for violating the law, as confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Singh. The police presence was notably heightened across Siliguri, with many regulated markets and wholesale shops shuttered in solidarity with the shutdown. While VHP supporters claimed their movement was peaceful, they alleged that provocations from the administration led to the disturbances in certain areas. The situation remains tense as the city grapples with the aftermath of the protests.
