The Bharat Bandh by trade unions in demand of a 12-point charter of demands was successful in the silk city on Wednesday.
During the bandh, all public vehicles stayed off roads when banks, petrol pumps and business establishments remained closed. Even schools and colleges declared holiday on the day. However, the railway services and the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) functioned as usual.
The protestors holding their union flags were seen picketing at Bisra Chowk, Shaw Mill Chowk, Chhend, Vedvyas, fertilizer Chowk, etc. The Delhi-bound Utkal Express and Jammu-bound Jammu Tawi Express were halted for a few moments by the protesters at the Rourkela railway station. Adequate police were deployed at various points to avoid any untoward incidents.
leaders of various trade unions including Bishnu Mohanty, Prasant Behera, George Tirkey, Pravat Mishra, Satyapriya Mohanty, NK Mohanty took active part in the protest.