Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted in Kantabanji town of Balangir district on Tuesday following a 12-hour bandh called over a 15-point charter of development-related demands.
The bandh was called by the Kantabanji Truck Owners’ Association at Indira Chhak, seeking the establishment of engineering, agriculture and nursing colleges, along with industrialisation and overall infrastructure development of the region.
The shutdown, which began at 6 am and is scheduled to continue till 6 pm, led to closure of markets and severely affected vehicular movement in the area. Several organisations extended support to the protest, joining in the agitation.
Road blockades were reported at key points, causing major inconvenience to commuters. However, emergency services, including ambulances, fire services and electricity department vehicles, were allowed to operate.
Police personnel were deployed at protest sites to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents during the bandh period.
