Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted in several parts of Odisha on Wednesday during a bandh called by Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) over alleged poor handling and irregularities in paddy procurement in the state.
The eight-hour shutdown affected vehicular movement in many areas amid protests and road blockades by the activists of NKS. Shops and business establishments remained shut in several places in the state in view of the bandh.
While Congress has extended its support to the bandh, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) complemented the NKS for observing the shutdown to safeguard the interests of farmers.
The bandh primarily protests the alleged poor handling and irregularities in paddy procurement in the state, forced installation of smart meters by Tata Power and steep penalties levied on vehicle owners under pollution certificate enforcement. The NKS has called for the immediate disbursement of the Rs 800 per quintal subsidy to farmers and the removal of middlemen and millers from the mandi system.
The bandh, which commenced at 6 am, is scheduled to continue till 2 pm.
In Bhubaneswar, protesters blocked the road at Uttara Chhak on the city outskirts by burning tyres, leading to traffic disruptions. The impact of the bandh was also visible across the Twin City, with police deployed at several locations to maintain law and order.
A report from Cuttack said private buses remained off the roads. Police presence was increased in different parts of the city as a precautionary measure.
As per sources, protesters resorted to picketing at various places. At Binika in Sonepur district, NKS activists, along with Congress workers, staged demonstrations at the Binika-Barpali National Highway near College Chhak, affecting traffic movement.
Similarly, the protesters locked the main post office and enforced a shutdown of vehicular movement through picketing in Balangir.
The bandh remained largely peaceful and no major untoward incidents were reported till the filing of this report.
In view of the bandh call, the state government had directed all district collectors to take precautionary measures to maintain law and order.
In a letter issued to the collectors, the Home Department asked district administrations to remain alert against any untoward incidents during the strike. They have also been instructed to make necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth functioning of Central and State government offices across Odisha.
“Situation may be kept under close watch to ensure maintenance of essential services in the State,” the letter stated.