Shimla, July 10 -- Central trade unions, farmer organisations and workers across Himachal Pradesh joined protests at district and block headquarters, bringing public services to a near halt in several areas, including Shimla.

Undeterred by rain in Shimla on Wednesday workers, including sanitation staff, health workers, bank employees, and Anganwadi and midday meal workers, participated in demonstrations demanding the roll-back of new labour codes, end to privatisation and implementation of long-pending demands.

The protest march and demonstration were part of the nationwide strike called by central trade unions and farmer organisations.

Vijender Mehra, president of the Himachal Pradesh unit of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), said...