VHP observes 12-hour Keonjhar bandh, demands action against infiltrators

A 12-hour bandh called by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)  brought normal life to a halt across Keonjhar district on Tuesday. The bandh, being observed from 6 am to 6 pm, has been called to demand the identification and expulsion of alleged infiltrators and troublemakers from the district.

Shops, markets, educational institutions, and most vehicles stayed off the roads, except for essential services. Major towns, including Keonjhar city, Champua, Joda, Barbil, Patna, Ghasipura, and Anandapur, witnessed significant shutdown and disruption.

VHP leaders and supporters were seen picketing at various locations from early morning, enforcing the bandh and urging people to keep establishments closed. Public and private transport largely remained suspended, causing inconvenience to commuters.

While the bandh has remained largely peaceful so far, heavy police deployment has been made across sensitive points to maintain law and order.

“The infiltrators from Bangladesh are troubling our people. We demand that the district administration identify the intruders and drive them away from the district and state,” demanded Tusharkant Samant, VHP district president.

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VHP leader Monalisa Das said, “The intruders are harassing our daughters and women. So we have hit the streets demanding their expulsion. If our demands are not met, we will intensify our protest.”