Khaira, Sept 3: Normal life came to a grinding halt in Khaira block of Balasore district on Wednesday as residents observed a seven-hour bandh protesting the town’s exclusion from the newly announced list of Notified Area Councils (NACs) by the state government.

The bandh, organized by Swabhiman Manch, was observed from 7 AM to 2 PM, effectively shutting down schools, colleges, markets, government offices, and most business establishments. People from all walks of life participated in the protest, voicing their dissatisfaction with the recent changes in the urban local body structure announced by the BJP-led state government.

Tensions arose after Khaira, which had earlier been declared an NAC during the BJD government’s tenure following sustained public agitations, was excluded from the latest notification.

Local leaders of the Swabhiman Manch strongly condemned the move, calling it unfair and detrimental to Khaira’s development. They emphasized that the omission disregards the town’s progress and the aspirations of its residents.

Swabhiman Manch president Prashant Kumar Behera stated that essential services like ambulance movement, milk supply, and medical emergencies were exempt from the bandh to avoid inconvenience to the public.

To ensure peace and maintain law and order during the shutdown, police forces were deployed throughout the region. The protest highlights growing discontent in the area over what locals see as political sidelining and a setback to their urban development hopes.