Bhubaneswar: Normal life was hit in Kantabanji in Odisha’s Bolangir district on Wednesday due to the dawn-to-dusk band called by the Kantabanji Zilla Sangharsh Samiti in support of its demand for district status to the Notified Area Council (NAC).
According to reports, the bandh was total in Tureikela, Bangamunda, Muribahal, and Kantabanji NAC. Many local outfits, including the Youth Yadav Samaj, Koubartha Samaj, Kantabaji lawyers’ and drivers’ association extended their support to the bandh call.
All government and private offices, educational institutions, banks and financial institutions, shops, and markets remained closed in Kantabanji, while emergency services were kept out of the purview of the bandh. Bandh supporters were seen picketing on the main roads and important traffic crossings with posters, banners, and placards in the town.
The Kantabanji Zilla Sangharsh Committee has threatened to intensify the agitation if their demand was not fulfilled. The committee plans to gherao the State Assembly if the government does not grant district status to Kantabanji.
