Aul: Normal life was paralysed in Aul in Kendrapara district on Sunday due to a 12-hour bandh called by Aul and Kanika Joint Working Committee demanding sub-division status for the block.
The bandh saw closure of government and private offices, business establishments, markets and educational institutions. Vehicles stayed off the roads at several places in Aul and Rajkanika blocks in response to the strike.
The agitators staged demonstrations, protest meetings and road blockades at different places in these two blocks to press for their demand.
“We have been demanding sub-division status for the block as it fulfils all criteria for inclusion in sub-division list. But the district officials have remained callous towards our legitimate demand”, one of the protestors said.
Various social and civil society organisations, students, intellectuals, senior citizens and people from all walks of life have extended their support to the strike.