Kolkata, Apr 23 - West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today urged bandh supporters and their rivals to maintain peace and harmony in the Terai-Dooars region of north Bengal where an indefinite strike had been called from today by the pro-GJM faction of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP).

"I appeal to the leadership to maintain peace and harmony in the Terai-Dooars region", Banerjee said speaking to reporters at the state secretariat here.

Trouble began this morning when supporters of John Barla-led pro-GJM faction clashed with the locals having allegiance to rival ABAVP at Banarhat in Jalpaiguri district following which the police had to fire in the air to disperse the warring mobs.

"This is not a big incident. I urge both the parties to maintain peace and no one should disturb it", Banerjee said. "This is an appeal and not a threat or warning", she added.

Banerjee said that no one would be allowed to hold meetings or rallies in the area as long as the situation was not normal. PTI