Titlagarh: A 12-hour bandh has been called by locals in Sindhekela today demanding block status to the sub-district and district status to Titlagarh.
The bandh called by the traders' association was joined by various groups and later a rally was conducted in the village following which all schools, banks and offices remained closed.
According to sources, the demand to grant district status to Titlagarh has been going on for years in the area.
"We have been demanding district status to Titlagarh for last 25 years and it feels like we have lost the battle. That's why we have shut down all the shops and offices here," a trader said.
Sources added that vehicular movement was also affected due to the bandh.
"Today the bandh has been called in the district level, later it may be observed in the ward level. If required we will even break the law," said a protester.