TV
A dawn-to-dusk ‘Odisha bandh’ called by the Congress and supported by seven other opposition parties disrupted normal life across the state on Thursday.
The bandh was called by the Congress over the death of a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who died after setting herself on fire due to alleged repeated harassment by a faculty.
Congress’ Odisha Bandh:
The bandh, which began at 6 AM, will continue until 6 PM. It has already disrupted road and rail services, leading to the closure of schools, colleges, and commercial establishments in various parts of the state.
Congress workers and members of allied political outfits staged picketing at major junctions and blocked key highways, creating traffic snarls and bringing vehicular movement to a standstill in many towns.
In Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Sambalpur, protestors also blocked railway tracks, disrupting the movement of several passenger and express trains. Rail roko demonstrations were held at multiple stations, causing inconvenience to hundreds of commuters.
Markets, Business Establishments Closed:
Shops, markets, and business establishments remained shut in response to the bandh call. Private educational institutions suspended classes as a precautionary measure.
However, emergency services were kept out of the bandh's purview. Medical stores, hospitals, ambulance services, and other essential services continued to function.
Congress leaders accused the state government of failing to act swiftly in the FM College incident and demanded a thorough investigation to ensure justice for the victim.
“We want the truth to come out. The government must take accountability,” said a protester in Bhubaneswar.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been made at sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
