Normal life was disrupted across parts of Nabarangpur district on Tuesday as a 12-hour bandh was observed in Umerkote and adjoining areas, following a shutdown call given by the Umerkote Sangram Manch to press for a set of long-pending regional demands.
The bandh had a significant impact on daily activities, with vehicular movement coming to a complete halt and commercial establishments remaining closed throughout the day. The shutdown affected Umerkote town as well as neighbouring blocks of Raighar, Jharigaon and Chandahandi, where roads remained largely deserted.
Transport Services and Markets Remain Closed
As part of the shutdown, both public and private transport services were suspended, causing inconvenience to commuters and daily wage earners. Shops, business establishments and local markets remained closed in all affected areas.
Despite the widespread disruption, no untoward incidents were reported till the filing of this report. Emergency services were exempted from the bandh, ensuring that essential medical and emergency needs were not affected.
Three Major Demands Placed Before Government
The Umerkote Sangram Manch has raised three key demands, which it describes as crucial for the overall development of the region. The foremost demand is the establishment of a medical college in Umerkote, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare facilities for residents of Nabarangpur and surrounding districts.
The forum has also sought proper land settlement arrangements to resolve long-pending land-related issues affecting local residents.
Speaking on the occasion, Babula Pattnaik, a member of the Umerkote Sangram Manch, said, “This bandh has been organised to draw the government’s attention to these demands, which are crucial for the overall development of the region.”
Demand for Maize Processing Unit
In addition, the Sangram Manch has demanded the establishment of a maize processing unit in the region. The proposed unit is expected to benefit local maize farmers by enabling better processing, value addition, and improved income opportunities.
The organisers stated that the bandh was intended to highlight long-standing issues affecting the region and urged the government to take prompt and concrete steps to address the demands in the larger interest of regional development.
