Nuapada: Palpable tension prevailed in Khasbahal panchayat under Khariar block of the district after farmers along with the locals staged a 12-hour road blockade today over various demands including drought-hit status to their panchayat.
According to sources, road communication between Khariar and Bhawanipatna was severely disrupted due to the protest staged near Dohelpada village, which also gained support from 'Nikhil Utkal Chasi Muliya Sangha' and other organisations in the district.
The agitating locals have also been demanding release of pending crop insurance along with provision of water facilities from the Lower Indra Irrigation project.
Alleging that the local administration has not paid any heed to their repeated requests, the protesters threatened that they would continue their protest until their demands are fulfilled.
Getting information, Khariar police reached the spot and held discussion with the agitating locals.