Kantabanji, June 16: A 12-hour shutdown was observed in Kantabanji town of Odisha's Bolangir district on Monday following a call by the Kantabanji Truck Owners' Association demanding the establishment of engineering, agriculture and nursing colleges in the region.

The bandh received support from several local organizations and associations. As a result, shops, markets and business establishments remained closed, while vehicular movement was largely disrupted across the town.

Residents and protestors have long been demanding the establishment of higher educational institutions, including engineering, agriculture and nursing colleges, in Kantabanji. They argue that the absence of such institutions forces students to travel to distant places for higher education.

The agitators also highlighted the issue of large-scale migration from the region. Kantabanji and its surrounding areas are known to be migration-prone, with thousands of people leaving every year in search of employment opportunities in other states. Protesters said that industrial development and the establishment of educational institutions would create jobs locally and help curb migration.

According to the demonstrators, setting up industries, along with agriculture, engineering and nursing colleges, would significantly boost educational and employment opportunities for local youth.

The protestors further alleged that Kantabanji has long been neglected by successive state governments and accused the administration of maintaining a stepmotherly attitude towards the region's development.

The 12-hour bandh was organized to press for the immediate establishment of educational institutions and industrial projects in Kantabanji, with protestors urging the government to address the long-pending demands of the area.