Bolangir: Shops and educational institutions in Bolangir town remained closed today as part of the two-day bandh being observed by several organisations including Congress and BJP.
The Bolangir Joint Action Committee which called for the shutdown has been demanding construction of a bypass in view of recent road mishaps in the town.
Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Youth Congress were seen picketing at different places in the town since morning.
The bypass is much needed since two national highways pass through the town leading to frequent road mishaps, supporters of the bandh stated.
As per reports , three youths and one college girl have lost their lives in road accidents in the town during the past 7 days.
Meanwhile, political parties have been showing unusual promptness about the issue ahead of ensuing polls, said sources.
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“We have called for Bolangir bandh and all organisations and institutions have supported it. The agitation will be intensified if our demands are not met at the earliest,” said Samarendra Mishra, a Youth Congress leader.
On Wednesday, a college girl, on her way to attend a coaching class on her bicycle was mowed down by a truck near the Laxmijor bridge on NH-26, killing her on the spot.