Balasore: Normal life in Khaira block of Balasore district was severely disrupted on Wednesday as residents observed a seven-hour bandh protesting the town’s exclusion from the state’s newly declared list of Notified Area Councils (NACs). The bandh, called by the Swabhiman Manch, lasted from 7 am to 2 pm and brought daily activities to a standstill.
According to reports, Schools, colleges, markets, business establishments, and government offices remained closed throughout the bandh, with people from various walks of life participating in the shutdown. The protest was sparked by the recent revision of the urban local body framework by the BJP-led state government, which omitted Khaira from the latest NAC notification.
Local leaders of the Swabhiman Manch condemned the decision, calling it unjust, especially since Khaira had previously been declared an NAC following prolonged public agitation during the BJD government’s tenure.
They argued that excluding Khaira undermines the town’s development prospects and disregards the aspirations of its residents.
Swabhiman Manch president Prashant Kumar Behera clarified that essential services such as ambulances, milk supply, and medical emergencies were exempted from the bandh restrictions
To maintain law and order during the protest, police forces were deployed across the region.
