Protesting the cancellation of the North Orissa University as a UPSC coaching centre and demanding filling up of vacant doctors’ posts in the district, the BJP on Tuesday observed a 12-hour bandh in Mayurbhanj district disrupting normal life.
Party activists staged road blockades at various places on NHs-18 and 49 bringing vehicular movements to a grinding halt. Several vehicles were stranded on both sides of roads. Besides, shops and other business establishments remained closed. Protesters staged picketing at several places.
Shouting slogans, the bandh supporters slammed the State Government for its apathetic attitude towards the education and health sectors in the district. They pointed out that around 220 doctors’ posts are lying vacant in the district and demanded immediate steps for filling the vacancies. They also protested transfer of 46 doctors from the district.
All the four sub-divisional headquarters towns of Baripada, Rairangpur, Karanjia and Udala witnessed a total shutdown.
The scene was no different in the district’s other smaller towns like Jashipur, Betnoti, Bangriposi, Bisoi, Kaptipada, Bahalda, Baisinga, Kostha, Rasgovindpur, Jharpokharia and Badsahi.
The agitators threatened to further intensify their stir in coming days if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest.
