Kuchinda: The Zilla Kriyanusthan Committee is today observing a 12-hour bandh in Kuchinda demanding district status for the sub-division of Sambalpur.

Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, banks and offices remained closed in view of the bandh.

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

Vehicular movement was severely affected in the area as members of the committee staged road blockade at various places.

Some political and social organizations have extended support to the bandh call.