Sambalpur violence: VHP observes 12-hour bandh in 14 dists
On Wednesday, the western Odisha wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) declared a bandh from dawn to dusk in the region to protest the state government's anti-Hindu policy.
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Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, the western Odisha wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) declared a bandh from dawn to dusk in the region to protest the state government's anti-Hindu policy.
Apart from Sambalpur, the bandh is being observed in the districts of Bargarh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada.
As VHP members staged road blockades in various locations, these districts appeared deserted, with vehicles off the roads. They also engaged in picketing. Shops and businesses also had their shutters ripped off.
Ambulances and Fire Brigade vehicles have been exempted from the bandh, which is supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bajrang Dal.
On the other hand, the situation in Sambalpur town is gradually returning to normalcy, though curfew and internet suspension remain in effect.
While curfew hours in the town have been extended from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the convenience of the public, the district administration has decided to extend the internet shutdown by another 24 hours, until 10 a.m. on Thursday, in order to reduce the spread of inflammatory messages and prevent the misuse of social media.
According to sources, services will resume in Kuchinda, Rairakhol, Naktideula, Jujumara, Bamra, and Jamankira.
Internet services have been suspended since April 13, a day after a clash between two groups in the district headquarters town ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
