Wednesday, March 8 2006 14:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Varanasi: Normal life here was paralysed today(Mar 8,2006) as the BJP-sponsored bandh to protest the twin terror attacks in the city went underway amidst tight security, especially at places of worship, including the famous Kashi Viswanath temple-gyanvapi mosque.

Markets wore a deserted look as shops and other business establishments throughout the city remained closed in protest against the blasts that claimed 20 lives and injured about 50 others.

Vehicular traffic in the city was thin with people not venturing out on the roads apprehending law and order problems.

Schools, colleges and other educational institutions were closed following an order from the district administration in view of the bandh. The academic institutions would remain closed till further orders, official sources said.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the city,particularly at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple-gyanvapi mosque complex and other places of worship and also at the airport, railway stations, bus stands, they said.

Patrolling has also been intensified to maintain law and order and also to monitor the activities of the anti-social and other criminal elements, the sources said adding no untoward incident had been reported anywhere in the district and other adjoining areas.