Patna, Sep 26 (IANS): Hundreds of businessmen shouting anti-government slogans on Wednesday forced the closure of shops and other establishments and blocked roads in Bihars Bhojpur district headquarters on Wednesday demanding security following a spurt in crimes against them, police said.

Angry over the increasing attacks on the business community by criminals demanding protection money, the traders took to the streets to enforce a day-long shutdown in Ara town, about 60 km from here.

Different groups took out rallies demanding protection from criminals, a district police official said.

They blamed the administration for the deteriorating law and order situation. "Police has failed to check and control crimes against us. We are the soft targets," trader Kamla Singh said.

The Bihar Vayavasaik Sangharsh Morcha had given the shutdown call and was supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist, Congress leaders from the area and several social activists.