Tuesday, May 24 2005 11:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: The NDA (National Democratic Alliance)-sponsored day-long Bihar bandh to protest against the Centre's decision to dissolve the State Assembly began amidst tight security measures today (May 24, 2005).

As many as 13,500 personnel of Bihar Military Police (BMP) and the Central forces have been deployed across the State to assist local police. It includes 85 companies of the BMP, 24 CRPF, 8 RAF, 6 each of BSF, CISF and SSB.

State Home Secretary A K Biswas said the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been asked to clamp prohibitory orders and ensure that rail and road traffic remains unaffected. Special attention was being given to protect vital installations, including property of railway, besides State and Central Government offices.

The NDA called for the bandh to protest against the Union Cabinet's decision to dissolve the State Assembly and press for removal of Governor Buta Singh.