Balangir: A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Kantabanji of Odisha's Balangir district today over the demand of district status for the region.

The Kantabanji Zilla Sangharsha Samiti had given the bandh call to press the demand.

The bandh observance affected normal life in Kantabanji area as members of the outfit resorted to picketing at various places.

They also staged road blockade, bringing vehicular movement to grinding halt.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions also remained closed in view of the bandh call.

Locals and several organizations have extended support to the bandh.

However, emergency services have been excluded from the ambit of the bandh.