The World - News from March 16, 1988

Opponents of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi shuttered businesses and took to the streets in six Indian states, but their general strike failed to win widespread support. Police arrested 7,000 people in street clashes that left seven dead and 200 injured, news reports said. Shops and offices were closed and traffic was disrupted in Bombay, India’s business center, and Calcutta, its largest city. But the strike drew little apparent backing in New Delhi, and there were few signs of support in the other 19 Indian states. The strike was called to protest sectarian violence and alleged government corruption.