Bandh hits normal life in Western Odisha

Sambalpur: As per its earlier decision, Western Odisha Central Action Committee (CAC) of lawyers kicked off a 12-hour bandh in the entire western region of the state paralysing normal life today.

The lawyers resorted to roar blockade in Deogarh, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundergarh and Padampur towns. The activists have shut down all government offices and business establishments from this morning. However, educational institutions which are currently holding examinations have been allowed to remain open. Many passengers trains were starnded at Khetrajpur station in Sambalpur as the lawyers staged a protest there.

On the other hand, the bandh failed to have any impact on Kalahandi, Nuapada and Bolangir districts.

Bolangir Bar Association has not taken part in the bandh call given by the Central Action Committee on the demand for separate bench of the Orissa High Court.It may, however, be noted that the Bolangir Bar Association has always distanced itself from the CAC despite the fact that it is one of the most vocal Bars in the region in terms of demanding a High Court bench.

Earlier, the CAC lawyers spearheading a movement for High Court Bench in the western region, were not satisfied by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik writing a letter to the Union Law Minister, saying that the letter bears no value. The committee had demanded that a complete data-based appraisal letter be sent by the State.

On the other hand, the government appealed to the striking lawyers to withdraw the stir. It said government is conscious about the need for a circuit bench in the western part of the state and is working towards it.