From correspondents in Tripura, India, 12:31 PM IST

Normal life came to a standstill Wednesday in Tripura as the ruling Left Front called a general strike to protest against the India-US nuclear deal and rising prices among other issues.

Most markets, shops and business establishments, government and semi-government offices and educational institutions were closed in the state. Roads were deserted. Rail and air traffic were disrupted.

Bus services between Tripura and other northeastern states were cancelled.

The government-run Alliance Air and other private airlines cancelled or rescheduled many flights on the Agartala-Kolkata-Guwahati-Silchar routes.

Examinations at educational institutions, including in Tripura University, were cancelled Wednesday.

'The strike is peaceful,' said police spokesman Mayajoy Rupini.

The strike was called by the National Platform of Mass Organisation (NPMO), which is made up of Left trade unions.

Reacting to the central government's decision to go ahead with the nuclear deal, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said Wednesday's strike would lead to a much bigger movement against the government.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)