Bandh in Bamanghati over district status for western Mayurbhanj

Mayurbhanj: Demanding district status for the western Mayurbhanj members of the Kriyanushthan Committee have been observing a dawn-to-dusk bandh in seven blocks of Bamanghati today.

Members of the outfit were seen picketing on highways and in front of government offices from early this morning.

Normal life came to a grinding halt at Bijatala, Rairangpur, Bisoi, Bahalda, Tiring, Jamda and Kusumi blocks in the district due to the bandh with markets, business establishments, educational institutions and government offices staying off limits.   Vehicular movement was also hit as protestors staged road blockades on NH-49 by burning tyre.

“We will intensify our agitation in coming days if our demands are not met,” said Prahalad Prusti, President of western Mayurbhanj Kriyanushthan Committee.

"Despite being the largest district of the state, people here are deprived of their rights. Our demand for a new district will help in the development of people. We urge the State government to fulfill our demand," said Deeptiman Bala, a local.

Meanwhile, the district authorities have taken adequate security measures to avoid any untoward incident.