The Zilla Kriyanusthan Committee on Thursday observed a 12-hour bandh in Titilagarh demanding district status for the region.
While shops and other business establishments remained closed, vehicular movement came to a grinding halt as the agitators staged road blockade at various places to press their demands.
Movement of vehicles from Titilagarh to Balangir, Khariar and Kesinga was severely affected due to the bandh.
“The politicians are garnering votes in their favour on the promise of giving district status to Titilagarh. They did so in 2019. However, they are doing nothing to fulfil the promise,” one of the agitators said.
“The people of Titilagarh are extending their full support towards the movement, but efforts are being made by some to suppress the agitation,” he added.