Sambalpur: Intensifying their demand for a permanent bench of the Orissa High Court (HC) in western Odisha, agitating lawyers showed black flags to Food Supplies Minister Surya Narayan Patro near MCL Main Gate at Burla here today.

Sources said when the Minister was on his way to a meeting on paddy procurement, around a hundred activists holding banners and raising slogans showed black flags to the Minister’s cavalcade.

The meeting venue was later changed in  apprehension of any further unpleasant situation.

In reaction Minister Patro said, “I am also an advocate. I feel the concern of the people of western Odisha regarding setting up of a HC bench in this region. I will surely convey the lawyers’ feeling to the Chief Minister.”