Normal life came to a standstill in the Arunachal Pradesh capital since yesterday following a 48-hour bandh call with stray incidents reported.

Stone pelting at government vehicles were reported from various parts of the capital city, Capital Complex Superintendent of Police Hibu Tamang said.

Eight bandh supporters were arrested when they tried to block the NH 52A with felled trees and boulders, he said.

Bandh enforcers also damaged a press vehicle yesterday, Tamang said.

All business establishments, markets, banks and educational institutions were closed, while central government offices recorded thin attendance since the bandh was called from 5:00 am yesterday by the Banderdewa Circle Intellectual Forum.

All private and public vehicles remained off the roads with state transport buses running with escorts.

The bandh was called to protest the state government's recent decision to shift the site of the proposed greenfield airport from Karsignsa to Hollongi because of technical difficulties pointed out by the Airport Authority of India.

The Forum has demanded immediate halt to construction of the airport besides cancellation of reports of the AAI technical committee on non-feasibility of construction of the airport at Karsingsa.

The Forum last month also called a 12-hour capital bandh.