12-hr bandh observed in Nabarangpur

Nabarangpur: Taking up various issues of farmers and displaced families, the Congress Nabarangpur district unit observed a 12-hour bandh in Khatiguda of Nabarangpur district on Saturday.

Normal life was adversely affected as families displaced by Khatiguda watershed project and several traders' associations supported the bandh. They alleged that the State Government has remained indifferent towards their plights of the displaced families and farmers in Budi area.

Vehicles stayed off the roads, shops and other business establishments remained closed during observance of the dawn-to-dusk bandh till last reports came in.

Earlier on Friday, the displaced families had staged a dharna in front of the project administrative office. Congress senior leader Pradeep Majhi along with some party workers had also joined the agitation. They sat on dharna whole night after locking the main gate of the office.

"The protest is a reflection of people's agony towards the State Government for its apathetic attitude. They have been exploited during the last 17 years of BJD rule. The people here are deprived of basic facilities, including drinking water and healthcare," said Majhi.

Meanwhile, police personnel have been deployed at several places to avoid any untoward incident during the bandh.