The demand for separate ‘Koshal’ state, has once again gained momentum in Western Odisha. A bandh has been called in as many as 11 districts under the banner of Koshal Rajya Milita Karjyanushtan Committee demanding a special statehood of ‘Koshal’.
The effect of the bandh was evident in Bolangir in the morning with the agitators seen picketing from 6am. Shops, businesses establishments and even educational institutions have been closed due to the bandh.
The agitators also locked the gate of the head post office in Bolangir district. Road transport has come to a grinding halt in most of the areas. The protestors have hit the streets and blocked the roads in Rampur and Dunguripali areas holding banners and shouting slogans demanding separate statehood to ‘Koshal’.
Private bus services have been halted in Bhawanipatna and Kesinga areas. National Highway has been obstructed at Rairakhol in Sambalpur. Several vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the road.
As several other organisations have supported the bandh, it could affect the normal life in a big way in 11 districts. However, essential services like medical and education have been excluded from the bandh.
“As the State government is often neglecting the area, developmental activities are not taking place here. Its solution is to give separate statehood to ‘Koshal’. Hence we have called for maha bandh and people in large numbers are supporting it wholeheartedly,” said Pramod Mishra, Chairman of Koshal Rajya Milita Karjyanushtan Committee.
However, the bandh has no effect in Sambalpur. While the bus services are normal, shops and businesses establishments are open in the city.
It is pertinent to mention here that Hirakhand Front and Sambalpuri Language & Culture Council have not participated in the bandh. They opposed the use of name ‘Koshal’ by the protesters. They request residents of Sambalpur to boycott the bandh. They also sent a memorandum to Odisha Governor through the RDC, Northern Division in this connection.