New Delhi, February 17: The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has called for a Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) tomorrow on February 18 to protest against a terror attack on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The Bharat Bandh protest will have an impact on commercial markets in several states. While commercial markers will remain shut during the nationwide shutdown, government services will be available for citizens.

During the Bharat Bandh stir, traders will keep a day-long fast and will take out tribute march and candlelight march in their respective states. Traders from as many as 18 states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and others are set to participate in the agitation. Prominent markets in the national capital will remain closed as part of Bharat Bandh protests. Pulwama Terror Attack: How CRPF Jawans Fell in JeM Trap.

Bharat Bandh on February 18: Know What Will be Opened And Shut

  • In Delhi, prominent markets including Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Chawri Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Kamla Nagar, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Gandhi Nagar etc will be closed.

  • Major commercial markets in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and others will remain shut.

  • Public transport services such as train, buses and metro will remain functional during Bharat Bandh protests.

  • Schools and colleges will remain open. However, state governments may issue an order for closure if protests intensify.

  • Banking services won't be impacted as no bank union has so far announced to join the agitation.

  • Autorickshaws and taxis will ply unless their unions take last minute call to participate in the stir.

  • Local trains in Mumbai and metro services in Delhi and other major cities will function normally.

"A strong sense of anger has grown among traders and citizens. The CAIT has decided to observe Bharat Trade Bandh on February 18 and no business activity will be held on that day. The bandh is organised to show the solidarity of traders with the nation and families of the martyrs," the CAIT said in a statement. "It is not an ordinary matter but a matter of our country’s prestige. Pakistan and the World should know that India stands united as ONE," CAIT stated.

40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 with a vehicle laden with explosives. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist group, claimed the responsibility for the attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 17, 2019 04:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).