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.

--IANS ik/in/bg