Athagarh, Feb 4: The Athagarh District Action Committee held a 12-hour bandh on Wednesday from 6 AM to 6 PM, demanding the creation of Athagarh as a separate district.

Shops and markets in the region remained closed, while vehicular movement was severely disrupted due to protests at the Athagarh–Chandbali square on State Highway No. 65. The demonstrations led to significant traffic jams, particularly affecting the old Cuttack–Sambalpur road, a vital route connecting western Odisha with Chhattisgarh.

The bandh gained support from several local organizations, including the Athagarh Intellectuals’ Association, Sahitya Academy, Municipal Senior Citizens’ Forum, Athagarh Gadjat Parikrama, and the Athagarh Retired Defence Personnel Association.

Despite the disruptions, Athagarh Sub-Collector Prahlad Narayan Sharma assured that emergency services would continue without hindrance. He also confirmed that schools and colleges would remain open for students taking exams on the day.

Regarding the demand for district status, the Sub-Collector stated he would bring the matter to the attention of the Chief Minister.