Bhubaneswar, Jul 17: In response to the tragic death of a student from Fakir Mohan College in Balasore, the Congress Party and several other political groups have called for a 12-hour statewide bandh today.
Kalahandi:
The bandh has a significant impact, especially in the town of Kesinga in Kalahandi district.
The bandh was carried out near the Bus Stand Chowk, where Congress workers of both the city and block blocked the National Highway 26. The streets of the town saw all shops and markets closed, and a complete shutdown was observed. Additionally, government offices, schools, banks, and insurance offices were also reported to be closed.
Cuttack:
The impact of the Odisha bandh was strongly felt in Cuttack as businesses, transportation, schools, and colleges remained closed. The bandh, which was called by Congress and supported by CPI, CPI(M), and other parties, disrupted daily life across the city.
Protestors, including Congress workers, staged pickets early in the morning at various chhak, including burning tyres as a form of protest. They are demanding justice for Somyashree and pressing for strong action against the accused.
To control the situation, the district administration has deployed 12 platoons of police forces across the city. Key government offices such as the District Collector’s Office, Bada Bazar Bus Stand, SCB Medical, City Hospital, and the High Court are guarded, with additional forces stationed nearby to prevent any disturbances.
Cuttack city also saw an increased presence of mobile patrol teams, including PCR vehicles, to ensure law and order during the bandh. Police officers have been instructed to monitor the situation closely in their respective areas and keep strict vigilance over bandh activities.
Keonjhar:
The same situation was witnessed in Keonjhar’s Anandpur too. Led by Congress leader Hadibandhu Khuntia, party workers initiated a bandh near the Anandpur Bridge Chhak.
The Congress party, in alliance with left-wing groups, began the bandh at key locations, calling for justice and accountability regarding the self-immolation incident in Balasore.
Dhenkanal:
In Dhenkanal, the bandh, which began at 6 am, has a significant impact across various districts, with Dhenkanal witnessing major disruptions.
Congress workers, under the leadership of District Congress Coordinator Chhabiraj Biswal, actively participated in the bandh, blocking roads and halting public transportation. The Congress workers disrupted train services at the main railway station, halting the Angul-Puri MEMU train. The protestors also blocked key bypasses including the Dhenkanal College Bypass, Mahishapat, and Korihan Bypass, leading to considerable inconvenience for commuters.
To maintain peace and order, police deployment was seen throughout the town. Despite the protests, the police managed to keep the situation under control.
Konark:
Both Konark and Chandrabhaga were left deserted, with tourist visit coming to a halt. The strike's effects were visible, with businesses, transportation, and public services suspended across the region.
Congress workers began their protest near the Congress office at Konark Medical Chhak, first blocking the ticket counter and main entry path to the famous Sun Temple, one of Odisha's top tourist attractions. They continued their protest by marching through the local markets. All commercial establishments in Konark and Chandrabhaga were closed as part of the bandh.
Key areas, including Thana Chhak, Madhipur Chhak, Junei Bazaar, Konark Bus Stand, Ring Road, and all schools, colleges, banks, petrol stations, and shops were shut. Vehicular movement was also halted, severely disrupting transportation services. The strike impacted both locals and tourists, as the region saw no commercial or tourist activity.
Sambalpur:
The 12-hour bandh had a partial effect in Sambalpur. While train services continued uninterrupted, heavy police presence was evident throughout the city. Some Congress leaders chose to leave the protest sites to avoid potential arrest.
Bolangir:
The Odisha bandh caused a complete shutdown in Bolangir, with all shops and markets closed. Vehicular movement was also disrupted across the district, affecting daily commutes.
Boudh:
The Congress Party in Boudh district has organized a 12-hour bandh to protest. Members of the Chamua organization have also actively participated in the strike.
The protest was led by District Congress Coordinator Naba Kumar Mishra, with Congress workers taking to the streets at Baghu Guda Chhak. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress carried out a separate demonstration at the Bridge Chhak under the leadership of District Youth Congress President Maheshwar Pradhan.
Other prominent Youth Congress leaders who joined the protest included Boudh Election Mandal Youth Congress President Abdul Kalim Khan, Ray Sanjeev Kumar Deo, Debaraj Pattnaik, Pankaj Karna, and Rohit Behera.
Bhadrak:
Congress leaders and workers staged a protest at Bhadrak railway station, halting the Bhadrak-Daspalla MEMU train. In response to the 12-hour bandh, all shops, markets, schools, and colleges in the area remained closed. Congress activists also blocked National Highway No. 16 at Banta Chhak. To ensure law and order, a large police force was deployed. The bandh also saw the blocking of roads connecting Basudevpur Dhamra and Basudevpur to Bhadrak.
Rayagada:
The impact of the bandh was widespread across all 11 blocks of the Rayagada district. Congress workers held protests at key locations such as Kapilas Chowk and FCI Chowk in Rayagada city, disrupting vehicular movement and closing down local markets. Shops also remained shut in solidarity with the bandh.
