12-hour bandh begins in Kantabanji over district status demand

A 12-hour bandh was launched in the western Odisha town of Kantabanji in Bolangir district on Saturday seeking district status, affecting the normal life. The bandh has been called by the Zilla Sangharsh Samiti.

Already the impact has started to be felt as all the shops, markets and other establishments have remained closed during the observance of the dawn to dusk bandh today. Most of the organisations in Tureikela, Bangamunda, Muribahal block along with Kantabanji NAC are supporting the bandh call.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier a similar bandh was also observed in November 2022 demanding a district tag for the town. As no step was taken by the state government, the frontal organisations in the area have again called for the 12-hour bandh today.

(Reported by Antim Panigrahi)