12 hour bandh in fourteen western Odisha dists over Sambalpur violence hits normal life

Sambalpur: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is today observing a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh in 14 districts of western Odisha as a mark of protest against the violence during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Sambalpur town.

The bandh is being observed in Sambalpur, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sundargarh, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts. It will continue till 6 pm.

While most of the shops and business establishments remained closed in these districts, vehicular movement was severely affected as members of the VHP staged road blockade at various places. They were also seen resorting to picketing.

The BJP has extended its support to the bandh call. The agitators have demanded stringent action against those involved in the violence.

“If no action is taken against the wrongdoers within 48 hours, we will observe a bandh across the state,” a VHP leader said.