Members of several organisations, political parties and local people are observing a 12-hour bandh in Balasore on Thursday over alleged deteriorating law and order situation in the district. The bandh is being observed from 6 am to 6 pm.
As per reports, protesters were seen picketing at various places. All shops, markets and private offices have been closed and vehicular communication affected in the city. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded on the road due to the blockade. The commuters are facing difficulties to reach their destinations. However, emergency services continued to remain unaffected.
Various political parties, several trade unions, bar association and other social organizations have extended their support to the dawn-to-dusk bandh. Members of these political parties and organizations along with local people were found protesting over the alleged rise in cases of crimes including dacoity, murder, smuggling of drugs, surge in snatching and loot incidents and police inaction against the criminals.
The protestors staged demonstrations at different places in the town by holding placards and banners. They also blocked all entry points of the town and shouted slogans against the district administration to express their concern over deteriorating law and order situation in the district.
“Crime rates are increasing in an alarming proportion in the district due to police inaction. The lives and properties of people are in stake. However, the district administration seems to be little perturbed with the development,” said Benudhar Barik, a protestor.