Thousands of Bangladeshi protesters, crowded into a central Dhaka square on August 4 for mass protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign following a deadly police crackdown. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh: Students hold protests to press PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation

It’s a weekend, but Nigerians are back on the streets for the third day in a row to vent their displeasure with the government of President Bola Tinubu. Watch in for more details!

Nigerians back in the streets for third day in a row

According to a rights group, at least 13 protestors lost their lives on Friday during widespread demonstrations against Nigeria's economic crisis that descended into violence in multiple regions.

Nigeria protests: At least 13 killed in Nigeria hardship protests

Nigeria protests: At least 13 dead, rifle shots & tear gas used to control stir

The Bangladesh government decided to ban the Jamaat-e-Islami following the deadly nationwide students' protests over quotas in government jobs that left at least 150 people dead.

Bangladesh orders ban on Jamaat-e-Islami for inciting deadly protests

Bangladeshi students called new street protests for Monday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government ignored an ultimatum to release their leaders and apologise for those killed in deadly unrest. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh witnesses scattered protests by students

Bangladesh police on alert as protests resume

Bangladesh is cautiously emerging from over a week of turmoil sparked by student protests that left nearly 200 people dead and thousands more affected. Watch the report to know more.

Bangladesh crawls back to normalcy

Bangladesh appeared calm on Monday (July 22) amid a curfew, but widespread disruption of telecoms prevailed a day after the Supreme Court scrapped some quotas for government jobs that sparked protests this month that killed scores. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh calms a day after top court scrapped job quotas

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has scaled back a controversial job quota system after nationwide unrest over the past week during which more than 100 people were killed. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh court scraps job quotas that sparked deadly protests

Bangladesh: Supreme court scales back job quotas that sparked unrest

Bangladesh top court scales back job quota that sparked unrest

Nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned home through land border crossings or via flights from Bangladesh, following violent protests against quotas in government jobs that have left more than 100 people dead. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh Protests: 1,000 Indian students return home, nationwide curfew imposed

Over 1,000 Indian students return home amid violent anti-quota protests in Bangladesh

Widespread violence gripped Bangladesh after relentless clashes between student protesters, security officials, and pro-government student activists over a quota system for government jobs. At least 115 people died in the violence, with Thursday becoming the most violent day.

Bangladesh deploys army as job quota protests continue

Violent protest grips Bangladesh over civil service hiring rules

At least six people were killed in Bangladesh on Tuesday during violent clashes between rival groups over quotas for coveted government jobs. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh: Violent clashes over quotas in govt jobs

In Sri Lanka, it was a day of violence today, at least 5 people were killed, more than 190 injured in a wave of violence. These clashes were between Rajapaksa supporters and the anti-government demonstrators. Currently, authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew across the country

Sri Lanka's day of violence, over 190 injured in protests

The Pakistan government has released more than 800 workers of the banned party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), two days after reaching a deal with the group to end nearly two weeks of violent protests.

Pakistan government releases 800 TLP workers following agreement

Pakistan’s government has reached an agreement with the outlawed far-right Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party, putting an end to weeks-long protest that resulted in violent clashes.

TLP agrees to end weeks-long violent protest in Pakistan

Bangladesh is reeling under the Islamist extremism, one that is threatening its economic development. 13 people have been killed in the violent protests in Dhaka and several Hindu temples have also been targeted. WION tells you more.

Rise of political Islam and Islamist terrorism in Bangladesh

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive.

Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty.

Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0f598151-01b8-497e-9285-1de2b1e2e66f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/spain%20protests%20%283%29.jpg" />

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights.

"Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech."

<img alt="Spain protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95393d3c-b0bc-49a7-a5a9-f71142725714" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Spain%20protests%20%282%29.jpg" />

During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities.

As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics.

Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets.

"Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters.

(With Reuters inputs)

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police.

Violent protests over rapper's jailing continued in Spanish cities continued for fourth night as clashes continued to break out between protesters and the police. Pablo Hasel, the anti-establishment rapper, has been served a nine-month sentence and his jailing has opened fierce debate over freedom of expression in the country. This has compelled the government to announce that it would make speech less restrictive. Hasel faces charges that accuse him of glorifying terrorism and insulting Spanish royalty. Protesters threw projectiles at police and at neighbours who condemned them for the disturbances. Two banks and businesses were attacked in Barcelona. Police charged protesters in the northern Catalan city of Girona Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the violence which has marked protests over the past three nights. "Democracy protects freedom of speech, including the expression of the most awful, absurd thoughts, but democracy never ever protects violence," he told an event, promising to "widen and improve freedom of speech." During last three night, police have had to fire tear gas and foam bullets at demonstrator who set fire to trash containers and motorcycles and looted stores. There were also clashes in the capital Madrid and other cities. As per officials, three people were arrested in Barcelona on Friday. One woman lost an eye during clashes in Barcelona, triggering calls from politicians to investigate police tactics. Rights group Amnesty International called for legal changes in Spain, saying that anti-terrorism and gagging laws also unfairly limited people's right to demonstrate their disapproval in the streets. "Spain is a country with freedom of expression, of course, but there are threats to that freedom," Amnesty head for Spain, Esteban Beltran, told Reuters. (With Reuters inputs)

Spain: Violent protests over rapper's jailing continue for fourth night 

Ecuador's president and indigenous leaders reached an agreement Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-president-lenin-moreno-orders-curfew-military-control-in-quito-255562">to end nearly two weeks of violent protests</a> against austerity measures adopted to obtain a multi-billion-dollar loan from the IMF.

The demonstrations have left seven people dead and were sparked by President Lenin Moreno scrapping fuel subsidies to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, a move that caused prices to double.

Moreno met with Jaime Vargas, the head of the indigenous umbrella grouping CONAIE, for four hours of talks in the capital Quito broadcast live on state television.

"With this agreement, the mobilizations... across Ecuador are terminated and we commit ourselves to restore peace in the country," said a joint statement, adding the government had withdrawn an order that removed fuel subsidies.

Thousands flooded into the streets of Quito shortly after the announcement, waving the national flag, honking horns and setting off fireworks in celebration.

The statement was read by an official from the United Nations, which mediated the talks along with the Catholic Church.

"The measures applied in all our territories are lifted," confirmed Vargas, wearing face paint and a head wreath of feathers.

Moreno had declared a curfew and placed Quito under military control to quell the unrest.

On Sunday, violent clashes continued before the talks began as police fought to disperse protesters who tried to put up a barricade of debris from Saturday's unrest.

"Indigenous brothers, I have always treated you with respect and affection," Moreno said as the talks opened. "It was never my intention to affect the poorest sectors."

Ecuador's indigenous groups make up a quarter of the country's 17.3 million people. Thousands from disadvantaged communities from across the Amazon and the Andes travelled to Quito to spearhead demands the subsidies be reinstated.

Authorities said 1,349 people had been injured and 1,152 detained in the demonstrations.

Watch video:

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The violence forced Moreno to relocate his government to Ecuador's second city, Guayaquil and hit the oil industry hard with the energy ministry suspending more than two-thirds of its distribution of crude.Protesters seized three oil facilities in the Amazon.

Buildings ransacked

CONAIE had previously rejected an offer of dialogue but reversed course Saturday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier called on all groups "to commit to inclusive and meaningful talks, and to work in good faith towards a peaceful solution."

Demonstrators on Saturday ransacked and set fire to the building housing the comptroller general's office, which was shrouded in thick smoke after being attacked with firebombs.

The prosecutor's office said 34 people were arrested.Protesters on Saturday also targeted a television station and a newspaper.

The Teleamazonas TV channel interrupted its regular broadcast to air images of broken windows, a burned vehicle and heavy police presence on the scene.

The station evacuated 25 employees, none of them hurt.

Nearby, protesters built barricades in front of the National Assembly building as police fired tear gas at them.

"We have nothing to do with the events at the comptroller's office and Teleamazonas," said CONAIE.

El Comercio newspaper reported on Twitter that its offices were attacked by a "group of unknowns."

Protesters did not immediately heed the curfew that went into effect on Saturday, with security forces struggling to impose order in some parts of the city.

"Where are the mothers and fathers of the police? Why do they let them kill us?" cried Nancy Quinyupani, an indigenous woman.

The restrictions in Quito, a city of 2.7 million, came on top of a state of emergency Moreno had declared on October 3, deploying some 75,000 military and police and imposing a nighttime curfew in the vicinity of government buildings.

Moreno is struggling with an economic crisis that he blames on waste and corruption by Correa's administration.

Ecuador's president and indigenous leaders reached an agreement Sunday to end nearly two weeks of violent protests against austerity measures adopted to obtain a multi-billion-dollar loan from the IMF.

Ecuador's president and indigenous leaders reached an agreement Sunday to end nearly two weeks of violent protests against austerity measures adopted to obtain a multi-billion-dollar loan from the IMF. The demonstrations have left seven people dead and were sparked by President Lenin Moreno scrapping fuel subsidies to obtain a $4.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, a move that caused prices to double. Moreno met with Jaime Vargas, the head of the indigenous umbrella grouping CONAIE, for four hours of talks in the capital Quito broadcast live on state television. "With this agreement, the mobilizations... across Ecuador are terminated and we commit ourselves to restore peace in the country," said a joint statement, adding the government had withdrawn an order that removed fuel subsidies. Thousands flooded into the streets of Quito shortly after the announcement, waving the national flag, honking horns and setting off fireworks in celebration. The statement was read by an official from the United Nations, which mediated the talks along with the Catholic Church. "The measures applied in all our territories are lifted," confirmed Vargas, wearing face paint and a head wreath of feathers. Moreno had declared a curfew and placed Quito under military control to quell the unrest. On Sunday, violent clashes continued before the talks began as police fought to disperse protesters who tried to put up a barricade of debris from Saturday's unrest. "Indigenous brothers, I have always treated you with respect and affection," Moreno said as the talks opened. "It was never my intention to affect the poorest sectors." Ecuador's indigenous groups make up a quarter of the country's 17.3 million people. Thousands from disadvantaged communities from across the Amazon and the Andes travelled to Quito to spearhead demands the subsidies be reinstated. Authorities said 1,349 people had been injured and 1,152 detained in the demonstrations. Watch video: The violence forced Moreno to relocate his government to Ecuador's second city, Guayaquil and hit the oil industry hard with the energy ministry suspending more than two-thirds of its distribution of crude.Protesters seized three oil facilities in the Amazon. Buildings ransacked CONAIE had previously rejected an offer of dialogue but reversed course Saturday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier called on all groups "to commit to inclusive and meaningful talks, and to work in good faith towards a peaceful solution." Demonstrators on Saturday ransacked and set fire to the building housing the comptroller general's office, which was shrouded in thick smoke after being attacked with firebombs. The prosecutor's office said 34 people were arrested.Protesters on Saturday also targeted a television station and a newspaper. The Teleamazonas TV channel interrupted its regular broadcast to air images of broken windows, a burned vehicle and heavy police presence on the scene. The station evacuated 25 employees, none of them hurt. Nearby, protesters built barricades in front of the National Assembly building as police fired tear gas at them. "We have nothing to do with the events at the comptroller's office and Teleamazonas," said CONAIE. El Comercio newspaper reported on Twitter that its offices were attacked by a "group of unknowns." Protesters did not immediately heed the curfew that went into effect on Saturday, with security forces struggling to impose order in some parts of the city. "Where are the mothers and fathers of the police? Why do they let them kill us?" cried Nancy Quinyupani, an indigenous woman. The restrictions in Quito, a city of 2.7 million, came on top of a state of emergency Moreno had declared on October 3, deploying some 75,000 military and police and imposing a nighttime curfew in the vicinity of government buildings. Moreno is struggling with an economic crisis that he blames on waste and corruption by Correa's administration.

Ecuador government, protesters agree deal to end deadly violence that left seven people dead

Indian High Commission in London has been targeted by Pakistanis second time in a month. According to the latest reports, UK Police have arrested 2 people for criminal damage. Watch this video to know more.

Indian High Commission in UK targeted again, 2 people got arrested

This is a second time in a month that Indian High Commission in London has been targeted by Pakistanis. Watch this video to know more.

UK: Indian High Commission targeted again

Here's a report that explains the large violent protests in Papua in Indonesia. Indonesia has deployed more troops as it attempts to curb the riots.

WION Gravitas: The pandemonium in Papua

Radical protesters in Hong Kong must not mistake China's restraint for weakness, China's Hong Kong affairs office said on Tuesday, vowing that the "violent criminals" pushing the city toward a "dangerous abyss" would be brought to justice. Hong Kong has suffered weeks of sometimes violent protests that began with opposition to a now-suspended extradition law that would have allowed suspects to be tried in mainland courts.

China warns Hong Kong protesters not to mistake restraint for weakness

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions.

The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes.

The bill was presented in the Rajasthan Assembly by Energy Minister B D Kalla to pacify members of the Gujjar community who have been holding demonstrations since February 8 across the state for quota. They had blocked the Delhi-Mumbai railway track and several highways and roads.

The bill seeks to increase the backward classes' reservation from the present 21 percent to 26 percent with five percent reservation to Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria.

The statement on the objective and reasons of the bill stated that the five castes are most backward and require five percent separate reservation. It also mentions that the central government recently passed the constitution amendment bill to extend reservation to the EWS section among upper castes and that breached the limit of 50 percent reservation earmarked by the Supreme Court.

Gujjar leaders had earlier indicated that they will only call off their protest if they see a "concrete proposal" from the government, implying that they wanted the bill to be passed first.

Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters had blocked the railway tracks in Sawai Madhopur district and several highways, demanding the quota in government jobs and educational institutes.

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions. The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes.

The Rajasthan Assembly on February 13 passed a bill granting 5 percent reservation to Gujjars and four other communities in jobs and educational institutions. The government had introduced the Rajasthan Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutes in the State and of Appointments and Posts in Services under the State) Amendment Bill, 2019, in the Assembly for giving reservation to Gujjars and the other castes. The bill was presented in the Rajasthan Assembly by Energy Minister B D Kalla to pacify members of the Gujjar community who have been holding demonstrations since February 8 across the state for quota. They had blocked the Delhi-Mumbai railway track and several highways and roads. The bill seeks to increase the backward classes' reservation from the present 21 percent to 26 percent with five percent reservation to Gujjars, Banjaras, Gadia Lohars, Raikas and Gadaria. The statement on the objective and reasons of the bill stated that the five castes are most backward and require five percent separate reservation. It also mentions that the central government recently passed the constitution amendment bill to extend reservation to the EWS section among upper castes and that breached the limit of 50 percent reservation earmarked by the Supreme Court. Gujjar leaders had earlier indicated that they will only call off their protest if they see a "concrete proposal" from the government, implying that they wanted the bill to be passed first. Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and his supporters had blocked the railway tracks in Sawai Madhopur district and several highways, demanding the quota in government jobs and educational institutes.

Amidst violent protests, Rajasthan Assembly passes bill granting 5% quota to Gujjars

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

Other sectors like mining, road transport, power supply too bore the brunt of the strike call given by country's 10 major central trade unions, except RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, to protest against the government's alleged anti-labour policies and unilateral labour reforms. They had given a call for a two-day Bharat Bandh on January 8 and 9.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from various parts of West Bengal Wednesday. Stones were pelted at school buses in Howrah district. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-school-bus-attacked-in-west-bengal-buses-autos-stay-off-roads-in-kerala-189025">Similar incidents were reported on Tuesday as well</a>. There were similar incidents of stone pelting in other parts of the state too.

In Kerala, a treasury branch of the State Bank of India in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked and trains were blocked in various parts of the state on the second day of the strike.

At the Thiruvananthapuram railway station, Thiruvananthapuram-Hyderabad Sabari Express and Venad Express were stopped, while the Kottayam-Nilambur passenger train in Kalamassery was held up for a while.&nbsp;

At many places in Kerala, shops and commercial establishments remained shut, and buses and auto-rickshaws were also off roads in the state.&nbsp;

Trains were stopped by protesters at a few places in Tamil Nadu and banking services in some public sector banks interrupted in Telangana but life largely remained unaffected on Wednesday.

However, some impact of the strike was seen in Goa as private buses and tourist taxis remained off roads. Long queues of passengers were seen at various bus stands after the private buses association in the state shut operations.

In Mumbai, lakhs of commuters faced hardships as an indefinite strike called by BEST, the city's civic transport undertaking, continued. There were only five buses plying on city roads.

Over 32,000 BEST employees went on an indefinite strike Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries.

Causing severe inconvenience to commuters in Bengaluru, hundreds of protesters from the Left trade unions disrupted bus services at Majestic, the Central Bus Stand, here. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses also remained stationed in their respective depots across the state as protesters damaged the vehicles.

Train services in Eastern Railway zone were disrupted Wednesday after supporters of the Bandh resorted to blockades at many places. A suspected bomb was found on the railway tracks at Ashoknagar in Sealdah-Bongaon section that led to the suspension of train services in the route.

In Odisha, train services were hit on the second day of the strike as trade union activists staged 'rail roko' at several places including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Berhampur. Several trains were delayed due to blockade of railway tracks by strike supporters, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at many places.

Many states invoked essential services maintenance laws while the Centre had issued a stern warning to refrain from the stir Tuesday.&nbsp;

Banking services were also partially affected for the second day, as a section of PSU bank employees came in support of the strike call.

All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees' Federation of India (BEFI) have supported the strike, which has impacted banking operation where these two unions are strong.

However, the operation in SBI and private sector banks remained unaffected as other seven unions in the banking sector are not part of the strike.

According to AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam, cash transactions, clearance of cheques, remittances, bills discounting and foreign exchange transactions were impacted.

Cheques worth about Rs 20,000 crore could not be cleared by clearinghouses all over the country on Tuesday, he claimed.

Hind Mazdoor Sabha General Secretary Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said there is 100 per cent strike in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Goa and mining activity was almost stopped across the country.

"We got a good response in industrial areas in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as well. In our protest march from Mandi House to Parliament in the capital, around 4,000 workers came on the road to express their anguish...," he added.

He also said that there was a 100 per cent strike in 22 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 20 districts of Karnataka.&nbsp;

According to unions, the strike was affected due to UGC exams, which started from Tuesday as some state transport departments decided not to participate completely in the strike in the interest of students. The exams were scheduled in some states on Wednesday as well.&nbsp;

They have alleged that the government has failed to create jobs and grossly ignored unions' 12-point charter of demands.

They also said that Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on labour issues has not called unions for any discussion since September 2, 2015, strike which left them with no other option but to go on another strike.

Farming communities, through their associations, have also extended support to the strike. Student and teacher organisations of various universities have also declared support, the statement had said.&nbsp;

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country. Other sectors like mining, road transport, power supply too bore the brunt of the strike call given by country's 10 major central trade unions, except RSS affiliate Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, to protest against the government's alleged anti-labour policies and unilateral labour reforms. They had given a call for a two-day Bharat Bandh on January 8 and 9. Stray incidents of violence were reported from various parts of West Bengal Wednesday. Stones were pelted at school buses in Howrah district. Similar incidents were reported on Tuesday as well. There were similar incidents of stone pelting in other parts of the state too. In Kerala, a treasury branch of the State Bank of India in Thiruvananthapuram was attacked and trains were blocked in various parts of the state on the second day of the strike. At the Thiruvananthapuram railway station, Thiruvananthapuram-Hyderabad Sabari Express and Venad Express were stopped, while the Kottayam-Nilambur passenger train in Kalamassery was held up for a while. At many places in Kerala, shops and commercial establishments remained shut, and buses and auto-rickshaws were also off roads in the state. Trains were stopped by protesters at a few places in Tamil Nadu and banking services in some public sector banks interrupted in Telangana but life largely remained unaffected on Wednesday. However, some impact of the strike was seen in Goa as private buses and tourist taxis remained off roads. Long queues of passengers were seen at various bus stands after the private buses association in the state shut operations. In Mumbai, lakhs of commuters faced hardships as an indefinite strike called by BEST, the city's civic transport undertaking, continued. There were only five buses plying on city roads. Over 32,000 BEST employees went on an indefinite strike Tuesday over various demands, including higher salaries. Causing severe inconvenience to commuters in Bengaluru, hundreds of protesters from the Left trade unions disrupted bus services at Majestic, the Central Bus Stand, here. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses also remained stationed in their respective depots across the state as protesters damaged the vehicles. Train services in Eastern Railway zone were disrupted Wednesday after supporters of the Bandh resorted to blockades at many places. A suspected bomb was found on the railway tracks at Ashoknagar in Sealdah-Bongaon section that led to the suspension of train services in the route. In Odisha, train services were hit on the second day of the strike as trade union activists staged 'rail roko' at several places including Bhubaneswar, Balasore and Berhampur. Several trains were delayed due to blockade of railway tracks by strike supporters, leaving a large number of passengers stranded at many places. Many states invoked essential services maintenance laws while the Centre had issued a stern warning to refrain from the stir Tuesday. Banking services were also partially affected for the second day, as a section of PSU bank employees came in support of the strike call. All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) and Bank Employees' Federation of India (BEFI) have supported the strike, which has impacted banking operation where these two unions are strong. However, the operation in SBI and private sector banks remained unaffected as other seven unions in the banking sector are not part of the strike. According to AIBEA General Secretary C H Venkatachalam, cash transactions, clearance of cheques, remittances, bills discounting and foreign exchange transactions were impacted. Cheques worth about Rs 20,000 crore could not be cleared by clearinghouses all over the country on Tuesday, he claimed. Hind Mazdoor Sabha General Secretary Harbhajan Singh Sidhu said there is 100 per cent strike in Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Goa and mining activity was almost stopped across the country. "We got a good response in industrial areas in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan as well. In our protest march from Mandi House to Parliament in the capital, around 4,000 workers came on the road to express their anguish...," he added. He also said that there was a 100 per cent strike in 22 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 20 districts of Karnataka. According to unions, the strike was affected due to UGC exams, which started from Tuesday as some state transport departments decided not to participate completely in the strike in the interest of students. The exams were scheduled in some states on Wednesday as well. They have alleged that the government has failed to create jobs and grossly ignored unions' 12-point charter of demands. They also said that Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on labour issues has not called unions for any discussion since September 2, 2015, strike which left them with no other option but to go on another strike. Farming communities, through their associations, have also extended support to the strike. Student and teacher organisations of various universities have also declared support, the statement had said.

Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB

Over 900 people have been detained in Kerala in connection with the April 16 strike, said police on Wednesday.

The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case.

Earlier, Widespread violence was witnessed in Kerala on Monday after protesters poured into the streets to enforce a shutdown on the people demanding justice for the eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir despite the fact that no recognised organisation had given a call for the protest.

Several incidents of stone-pelting, blocking of vehicles, clash with the police and forced closure of shops were reported from different places, especially in the northern Malabar region, even as the departure of flights got delayed from the Kozhikode International Airport as pilots got trapped in traffic blocks created by the protestors.

Shop-owners chose to keep the shutters of their outlets down and vehicles kept off the roads in areas known as strongholds of the Muslim League and SDPI in Kannur. An official with the Kannur police said the protests in the district seemed well-coordinated despite the fact that there was no formal call for a hartal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case.

Over 900 people have been detained in Kerala in connection with the April 16 strike, said police on Wednesday. The strike was called by different groups in protest against Kathua rape case. Earlier, Widespread violence was witnessed in Kerala on Monday after protesters poured into the streets to enforce a shutdown on the people demanding justice for the eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and murdered in Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir despite the fact that no recognised organisation had given a call for the protest. Several incidents of stone-pelting, blocking of vehicles, clash with the police and forced closure of shops were reported from different places, especially in the northern Malabar region, even as the departure of flights got delayed from the Kozhikode International Airport as pilots got trapped in traffic blocks created by the protestors. Shop-owners chose to keep the shutters of their outlets down and vehicles kept off the roads in areas known as strongholds of the Muslim League and SDPI in Kannur. An official with the Kannur police said the protests in the district seemed well-coordinated despite the fact that there was no formal call for a hartal. (With inputs from Agencies)

Over 900 taken into custody after violent protests in Kerala

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