Bargarh: A 12-hour bandh called by farmers to protest against non-payment of crop insurance money crippled life in Bheden block of Bargarh district on Thursday.
The agitating farmers picketed and blocked major roads by burning tyres at several places demanding immediate release of the crop insurance money.
Most shops, business establishments, offices and educational institutions downed their shutters in response to the strike.
“We have been deprived of the crop insurance settlements under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana since long. Neither the officials concerned nor the district administration takes any step to fulfill our longstanding demand. So, we were forced to hit the streets for justice”, an agitator said.
A group of farmers had locked up the local cooperative bank for the last six days protesting non-fulfillment of their demand.
