Sambalpur: A 12-hour bandh is being observed by the Sambalpur Nagarika Kriyanusthana Committee over the formation of a separate state ‘Koshala’, comprising districts of western Odisha.
According to sources, the bandh began at 6 am and will remain effective till 6 pm.
Various traders’ associations have extended support to the bandh call.
The members of the committee further alleged that the Odisha government has been conspiring to prevent the establishment of the High Court bench in Sambalpur.
Several shops and business establishments remained closed while vehicular movement was affected.
However, emergency services, educational institutions and vehicles carrying examinees have been excluded from the purview of the bandh.
