Bhubaneswar: The Nabanirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS) and the Nabanirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan are observing a 12-hour Odisha bandh on Wednesday, from 6 am to 6 pm, over a six-point charter of demands, including a call for the resignation of Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
The organisations have appealed to supporters to participate peacefully while urging shops and markets to remain closed and road transport to stay off the streets during the bandh.
Bandh Observed Across Odisha
The protest began early Wednesday morning, with members of the Nabanirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan launching picketing at different locations.
In Bhubaneswar, the agitation began from the Baramunda area, where protesters assembled and sought public participation in the statewide shutdown.
The organisations have asked supporters to avoid violence or disruption of essential services while observing the bandh.
Minister’s Resignation Among Key Demands
One of the principal demands of the protesting organisations is the resignation of Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
The groups have also submitted a six-point charter of demands, stating that their concerns have remained unresolved despite their prolonged agitation.
The protesters have said they will continue their movement until the government addresses the issues raised by them.
Road Transport May Be Affected
The bandh is expected to have an impact on road transportation, as the organisations have appealed to bus operators and other road transport services to stay off the roads during the protest period.
Shops and commercial establishments have also been urged to remain closed between 6 am and 6 pm.
However, train services have been kept outside the scope of the bandh, meaning railway operations are not part of the organisations’ shutdown call.
The actual impact on public transport and commercial activity may vary from one district to another depending on local participation.
Hunger Strike Continues
Members associated with the organisations are also continuing a hunger strike in support of their demands.
The protesters have alleged that their issues have not been adequately addressed despite the movement continuing for an extended period.
They have warned that the agitation could be intensified if the government does not respond to their demands.
Government Offices to Function Normally
The state administration has made security and law-and-order arrangements across Odisha in view of the bandh.
The Home Department has alerted District Collectors and District Magistrates and directed them to take preventive measures to maintain peace and ensure that essential services remain operational.
Authorities have also been asked to monitor developments closely and take appropriate action wherever necessary.
Emergency Services to Remain Unaffected
According to the administrative directions, Central and State Government offices are expected to function normally during the bandh.
District authorities have been instructed to ensure that emergency services are not disrupted and that essential public services continue without interruption.
Officials are also monitoring sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incidents during the statewide protest.
Bandh Continues Until 6 PM
The Odisha bandh is scheduled to continue until 6 pm on Wednesday. The organisations have called for peaceful participation while maintaining their demand for action on the issues included in their charter.
With road transport and commercial establishments potentially affected but railway services excluded, the extent of disruption is expected to depend on participation across individual districts.
