A bandh called to protest murder of Manbir Sunar of Kalikot on the allegation of touching an oven belonging to the so-called higher caste has affected normal life in the district on December 16.

Vehicles plying to long and short routes to and from Baglung stayed off the road while educational institutions, markets, shops and industries remained shut, however, vehicles belonging to media, essential services and ambulances plied without any obstruction.

Dalit activists chanted slogans and staged demonstrations in various places to make imposition of the bandh a success.

The bandh was called demanding to end the situation of a Dalit losing his/her life in the name of untouchability at a time when the State had announced the country free from untouchability several years ago, said Dhan Bahadur Pariyar, a Dalit activist.

The agitators have demanded action against the guilty, announcing deceased Sunar a martyr, providing relief, job, education and other facilities to the family members of the victim, Pariyar added.  <