Jeypore (Koraput): The Jeypore Action Committee today enforced a 12-hour bandh in the town, pressing for the immediate revival and smooth functioning of the long-closed paper mill, the district’s only major industrial unit.
The bandh, which began at 6 AM and will continue till 6 PM, saw complete shutdown of offices, schools, colleges, and commercial establishments. Vehicular movement was also severely affected as protesters blocked key roads.
Various social and commercial organizations extended full support to the bandh. Protesters highlighted the severe financial distress faced by employees and support staff due to the prolonged closure of the mill. Thousands of families dependent on the unit are reportedly struggling for survival amid non-payment of salaries and pending dues for several years.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) also extended strong support to the bandh call. Party convener and former minister Rabi Narayan Nanda, along with BJD working president Durga Mishra, urged all party workers, senior leaders, councilors, women, youth, and student wings to actively participate and ensure the bandh’s success.
“The paper mill is closely linked to the economy and livelihood of the people of Koraput and the entire region. We appeal to everyone to make this movement successful,” the BJD leaders stated.
The Jeypore Action Committee appealed to participants to maintain peace and discipline while expanding the democratic protest to protect the interests of local people. Emergency services, ambulances, and vehicles carrying examinees have been exempted from the bandh restrictions.
The bandh reflects growing frustration among locals over the prolonged inaction regarding the revival of the paper mill, which once served as a major source of employment in the region.
