Truckers call Anandpur bandh; agitation enters 10th day

Keonjhar: The economic blockade called by Keonjhar district truck owners association has taken an unusual twist following the death of an agitating truck owner Prem Ranjan Behera (55) on Wednesday for which the Anandpur truck owners association called for Anandpur bandh today. Keonjhar, Joda & Barbil associations have also extended support to the bandh.

Commercial establishments and educational institutions in the all the towns remained closed today.  

Tension sparked and a near law and order situation prevailed in Anandpur on Wednesday over the death of Behera who breathed his last after an 8-day hunger strike at government hospital in Ghasipura before shifting to SCB medical Cuttack.

The irked protestors went on a rampage and damaged the official vehicle of the district collector.   

The agitation against mineral transportation through trains entered 10th day and the members of the associations are scheduled to meet the district collector today to discuss over the issue.

Goods carriers in hundreds stranded at NH 6 and 216 as the agitators are not allowing them to ply through Keonjhar.