BENAPOLE: Trans-border trading through Benapole-Petrapole Land Port halted Monday for a strike enforced in India in protest against price hike of essentials, including fuels.

Land-port sources said hundreds of strike-supporters hoisted red flag atop the main gateway to Petrapole check-post in the communist-ruled West Bengal State of India in the morning and thus blocked export-import operations.

Benapole Check-post Customs Cargo Superintendent Touhidur Rahman told banglanews24.com.bd that export-import trade between the two countries remained suspended since morning. “No goods–laden trucks from Bangladesh and India could cross the border today.”

Hundreds of cargo-laden lorries were seen waiting in queues on the Indian side for entering Bangladesh through Benapole Port.

General Secretary of Petrapole Clearing Agent Staff Welfare Association Kartik Chakrabarty said strike halted all work at Petrapole Land Port.

Passport-holder travellers remained stranded on the Indian side after crossing Benapole check-post due to the strike, causing untold sufferings to the children and senior people, in particular, said OC of Benapole Check-post Police Immigration Ali Azam.

Deputy Director (Traffic) of Benapole Land Port Authority Aminul Islam said the strike left no impact on Benapole port. “Port activities, except loading and unloading, are normal here.”

BDST 1520 HRS JULY 5, 2010