Congress’ dawn–to–dusk bandh paralyses normal life in Odisha’s Koraput

A 12-hour Koraput district bandh is being observed today over the State and Central governments’ step-motherly attitude towards the district. The bandh call has been given by the district unit of the Congress. 

As per reports, protesters can be seen picketing at strategic locations. All private offices, markets, shops and business establishments have downed their shutters. Similarly, vehicular movement has come to a grinding halt with hundreds of vehicles being left stranded on the road. However, emergency services have been kept out of the bandh purview. Students have been allowed to go to their examination centres. 

The people of the district have long been demanding for establishing a Central School and a Driving Training School in Koraput. The same has also been taken up with the State and the Central governments but to no avail. 

In protest against the step-motherly attitude of both the State and Central governments, the Congress gave the bandh call. 

“Our patience is wearing thin. Despite the fulfillment of all the criteria fixed by the Central government for setting up a Central School, we are yet to get a school. A piece of land measuring eight acres has been allotted to them. A temporary school building has also been constructed. We can’t understand why we have been deprived of a Central School,” said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati. 

“People from other districts are getting employment in Koraput district by furnishing duplicate certificates. These allegations are also not being properly investigated,” he added.