Dhenkanal: Normal life was crippled at Rasol in Dhenkanal district on Monday, owing to a dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the BJP seeking Notified Area Council (NAC) status for the panchayat.
Almost all business establishments, markets, shops and educational institutions remained closed. Vehicular movement on Purunakatak and Sambalpur route was disrupted as protestors staged blockades at major intersections connecting these places. As a result, a large number of vehicles and commuters were seen stranded for long hours.
The agitators alleged that despite repeated demands, the district administration does not take any step for according NAC status to Rasol. They threatened to intensify the protest, if the demand is not fulfilled at the earliest.
Heavy police force has been deployed in the locality to prevent any untoward incident.