Sambalpur observes 12-hour bandh over alleged kharif paddy procurement irregularities

A 12-hour bandh is being observed across Sambalpur district on Friday in protest against alleged irregularities in the procurement of kharif paddy. The shutdown, which began at 6 am, will continue till 6 pm, with shops, markets, offices and commercial establishments remaining closed.

The bandh has been called by the Sambalpur Krushak Suraksha Sangathan, with hundreds of farmers taking part in the protest. The organisers, however, clarified that there would be no blockade of national highways or railway lines during the shutdown.

Offices, Banks And Institutions Closed

As part of the bandh, government and private offices, banks, educational institutions and business establishments are remaining closed across the district. Essential services have been kept outside the purview of the shutdown to prevent inconvenience to the public.

Ahead of the bandh, farmers organised a large motorcycle rally in Sambalpur on Thursday to mobilise support and draw attention to their demands.

Farmers Cite Pending Tokens

Explaining the reasons behind the protest, farmer leader Ashok Pradhan said the agitation has been continuing for over two weeks.

“Our protest has been going on for the last 15 days. This time, the government failed to fulfil all our demands. Around 10,000 tokens are pending. That is why we were forced to call a bandh in Sambalpur,” he said.

Pradhan added that emergency services have been exempted and appealed for public cooperation. “The bandh started at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm. We request everyone to cooperate with us,” he said.

Support From Other Organisations

Several other organisations have reportedly extended their support to the farmers’ agitation. Protesters expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the government’s lack of response despite repeated protests.

Another farmer said shopkeepers were requested, not compelled, to close their establishments. “We requested shops to support us and did not force anyone. Government and private offices will remain closed, and many educational institutions have extended support as they believe our demand is justified,” he said.

Sources said the farmers are likely to continue their agitation in phases until all pending procurement tokens are issued.