AGARTALA, May 12 (TIWN): Three-political parties called 12-hour statewide strike today evoked mixed response as the attendance in government offices was as usual following diktat from the government itself.Though no untoward incident was reported during the bandh, as many as 153 picketers were arrested for campaigning in favour of the dawn-to-dusk bandh.
Attendance in government offices including the Civil Secretariat was normal with almost all officials and employees present in their respective offices.

However, the Central government-run officials- Post Offices, banks and business establishment remains closed in response to the bandh.

Shutters of all educational institutions were down during the bandh.

Since private vehicles were off the roads, office goers had to struggle to reach their respective offices.

Though picketers tried to stalled the trains, the service was resumed after 10 am following intervention of security personnel, according to the police.

A total of 153 picketers were arrested for picketing in favour of the bandh, said the Addl SP, West district. 153 picketeers were picked up police, out of 153 altogether 73 were BJP supporters and the remaining 80 were TPGC  

Reports from districts said, the bandh evoked response in North and Unakoti districts as shutters of business establishments remain closed. Vehicular movement was very thin but the attendance in government offices at Kumarghat, Fatikroy, Kailashsahar and Dharmanagar was normal.

Interestingly, the bandh evoked thin response in South district- Belonia and Santir Bazar. Though vehicular movement was thin, the government offices remain open while markets, educational institutions and shops looked deserted.

Three opposition parties- BJP, Tripura Pragatishil Gramin Congress (TPGC) and Aam Admi Party have called the bandh demanding fresh Parliamentary election and removal of CEO Ashutosh Jindal for malpractice in the battle of ballots.