12-hour bandh hits life in Daringbadi

Kandhamal: Normal life was hit at Daringbadi in Kandhamal district following a 12-hour bandh called by Gramya Hindu Debottar Committee today.

The Committee is protesting the district administration's decision to pull down a Durga puja mandap at Charichhak in Daringbadi.

"We peacefully request the district administration to revoke its decision to raze the Durga Mandap. If not, we will be forced to intensify our protests," said Ladu Kishore Sahu, Vice-President of Daringbadi Traders' Association.

Meanwhile the dawn-to-dusk strike severely affected the vehicular movement in the picturesque Daringbadi.

Shops, banks, business establishments, schools, colleges and other educational institutions also kept their shutter down in view of the bandh call.

Two platoons of police force have been deployed in various key squares of Daringbadi to maintain peace and order, sources informed.

"Patrolling by police personnel is also being carried out to avoid any untoward situation," informed Tushar Mohapatra, IIC of Daringbadi police station.