Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has issued a high-level security advisory ahead of a 12-hour statewide bandh scheduled for tomorrow. The bandh has been called by the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) and allied organisations in protest against the death of a 20-year-old Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College student from Balasore, who died after attempting self-immolation on campus over alleged sexual harassment.
The bandh, which will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm, is expected to disrupt public transport, educational institutions, markets, and government offices across the state.
In an official circular, R. K. Sharma, Special Secretary to the Home Department, directed all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Commissioner-cum-Secretaries to ensure that their staff report to work by 9:30 am sharp on Thursday at key government offices including Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and the Heads of Department Building.
Key security and administrative measures outlined in the advisory include:
- Closure of the main gates of Lok Seva Bhawan at 9:30 am, with all movement regulated through the rear entrance. The internal gate between the Red Building and the main block will remain open.
- Enhanced security checks on identity cards and vehicle passes. No vehicle will be allowed entry without valid authorization.
- Restricted visitor access limited to those with prior appointments and urgent official business, subject to approval from the concerned department and Home Department clearance.
- Government staff instructed to remain at their desks and avoid unnecessary movement within office premises.
- Immediate reporting of any law-and-order incidents to the Special Secretary, Home Department (Phone: 0674-2536761), or the Additional DCP, Secretariat Security (Phone: 0674-2322522).
The bandh has been called by OPCC and its affiliated wings — including NSUI, Youth Congress, CPI, CPI-M, SUCI, AIDSO, and AIYF — who demand justice and compensation for the victim’s family.
The state administration has urged citizens and government employees to cooperate fully with the security protocols to ensure public safety and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services during the bandh.
