Bhubaneswar: The 12-hour Bharat Bandh called by the Bhim Army, National Confederation of Dalit Organisation, Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Mahasangha, Adivasi Ekta Parishad, SC, ST Minorities, OBC Joint Action Committee and other Dalit organizations evoked lukewarm response in Odisha on Wednesday.
However, the bandh supporters staged picketing and blockades at some places in the state today. The agitators stopped two trains – Sambalpur-Puri and Sambalpur-Rayagada Intercity Express – at Sambalpur-Khetrajpur station today morning.
While academic institutions remained closed today, vehicular traffic was hit in some places. Most offices and business establishments were also open. In several places, protestors picketed on train tracks, bus stands, and major stops stalling the movements of vehicles. Public transportation services were affected as the protesters held picketing at railway stations and bus stops in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Rayagada, and several other places.
Protesters disrupted train services at Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur, with passenger buses also affected on various routes. Demonstrations were held at several locations, including roadblocks on national highways.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the state.
Members of the Joint Action Committee of Scheduled Castes and Tribes staged road blockades in Bolangir town early Wednesday morning. They held protests in front of the district head post office and shouted slogans.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up across Odisha given the 12-hour Bharat Bandh call by members of Bhim Army, National Confederation of Dalit Organisation, Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Mahasangha, Adivasi Ekta Parishad, SC, ST Minorities, OBC Joint Action Committee and other Dalit organizations on Wednesday.
The nationwide strike has been called in protest against the Supreme Court’s ruling on SC/ST reservations, allowing states to create sub-categories within the groups. The Dalit and Adivasi organisations are demanding wider representation of marginalised communities in jobs and education and protection of their constitutional rights.
