Declare Khamar region drought-hit: BJP

Khamar: Normal life was thrown out of gear in Khamar area of Angul district on Saturday following a dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the BJP over seven-point charter of demands.
The demands include declaration of Khamar as drought-hit, construction of a postmortem centre and establishment of a fire station in the region.
Vehicular movement was hit as the party workers staged blockades at various places including NH-149. Almost all markets, shops and other commercial establishments remained closed owing to the bandh.
However, emergency services were excluded from the ambit of the strike.
“Deep resentment has been prevailing among the farming community against the state government for its alleged failure to declare Khamar region as drought-hit. Farmers of 9 to 10 panchayats, who suffered heavy crop loss, are yet to be compensated,” a party member said.