Bandh, originally a Hindi word, is a form of protest used by political activists in India. During a Bandh, a large chunk of a community declares a general strike, usually lasting one day. While often it means the closing down of a major marketplace of a city for the day, there have been instances of entire Metros coming to a standstill.
Bandhs are powerful means for Civil disobedience. Because of the huge impact that a Bandh has on the local community, it is much feared as a tool of protest.
Bandhs have been criticized because of the disruption of everyday life caused by them. The Supreme Court of India has banned bandhs, but political parties still organize them. In 2004, the Supreme Court of India fined two political parties, BJP and Shiv Sena for organising a bandh in Mumbai as a protest against bomb blasts in the city.
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Last updated: 10-20-2005 22:34:29
