Bharat Bandh: In Goa, public transport normal; markets open

Police have been patrolling various areas including certain sensitive pockets

The `Bharat Bandh' against new agri laws called by farmers' organizations did not evoke any visible response in Goa on Tuesday.

Offices, banks, markets, shops and educational institutes remained open while public transport too was not affected though opposition parties supported the shut-down.

"We carried out strict patrolling across the state to ensure there was no untoward incident," a senior police officer said.

The life remained normal in the state, he added.

Opposition parties including the Congress, NCP, Goa Forward Party and AAP participated in demonstrations held by farmers' organizations and trade unions including the All India Kisan Sabha, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) at Azad Maidan in Panaji.

Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat, state Congress chief Girish Chodankar and GFP chief Vijai Sardesai participated in the protest.

"We have asked people to voluntarily join in the protest. No one is forced to shut their shops or industries," Suhas Naik, general secretary, AITUC, Goa, said earlier in the day.