Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Oct 20: Goa bundh call given by Hindu right wing organizations evoked good response as the shops and establishments pulled down their shutters and private buses remained off the road.
 
The bundh call is given to protest the increasing desecration of idols in the state. The State government has declared the bundh illegal and has appealed people not to cooperate with the bundh.
 
Despite government appeals and strong police presence, bundh was successful in major parts of the State including capital city of Panaji. Bundh call is given by Mandir suraksha samiti, which has representation of organizations like Bajarang Dal and Hindu Janajagruti samiti in it.
 
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too has extended its support for the bundh, which according to them, is a protest against state's deteriorating law and order situation.
 
Life went out of gear and majority of the offices remained closed as workers did not turn up. The government offices too had staff shortage.
 
"Till now everything is peaceful. There were some road blockages which are cleared," Superintendent of Police (North) Bosco George said, this morning.
 
In Margao, chief minister Digamber Kamat's home town, the response was overwhelming with entire market being closed since morning.
 
The state on the coastal belt has witnessed around 500 desecrations in recent past, mostly in the temples located at isolated places in rural Goa.
 
Earlier, Goa Church had condemned desecration of idols in the state.