AGARTALA, Sep 10 (TIWN): Ruling BJP faced a major blow as opposition Congress led a successful strike on Monday protesting against the fuel price hike. But according to Govt order, employees were bound to attend offices to avoid disciplinary actions as at 12 noon Biplab Deb's Govt will take attendance record of various institutions. A protest was staged before the Civil Secretariat by Congress activists centering the 12 hours strike on fuel price hike and Congress denied to move from Secretariat's main gate asking the employees to 'go back'. When amid much securities the agitation was going on, Congress activists were arrested by police at there. Congress President Birjit Sinha, Manipur MP Thokchom Meinya were among the arrested picketers. The BJP led State Govt had given a strict warning to the Govt employees through Depts Chiefs not to stay 'absent' on Monday, when Congress party has called a 12 hours strike as a part of national agitation.

A notification dated 7th Sept No-F.19(1)GA(AR)/1996(P)/1955 signed by M Rema, Under Secretary of Govt of Tripura has asked all Add Chief Secretaries, Principal secretaries, Special Secretaries, Secretaries, Add Secretaries to make sure that offices run smoothly like other days.

An attendance report will be checked from each institution.  The notification also said, there will be strict action against the instruction-violators and all employees must stay present and function offices smoothly. 

It was at 10.30 am BJP's few activists had shown agitation in front of Congress Bhawan protesting the strike. Congress activists have started picketing since the morning to lead a successful strike, whereas agitations are continuing in front of the Congress headquarter. The activists have burnt tires, raised slogans against Modi Govt's Jumla-raj saying, 'Modi hatao, Bharat bachao'. This is the first strike of the oppositions since the massive poll victory of BJP. Tight securities have been imposed across the state to avoid any unwanted incidents. 

As a result, employees were forcefully taken to the offices, whereas private organizations and business were shut down.Vehicle movement was heavily disrupted and across the state motor stands remained closed.