Normal life was hit as farmers of under the banner of Krushak Kalyan Manch on Friday observed a 12-hour Jeypore Bandh demanding immediate payment of their dues against the paddy procured in June 2015.
Farmers demanded that the district Collector release all their dues pending since the last Rabi paddy procurement season.
They sealed the entry points of the town by picketing and didn’t allow vehicles to enter the town and vice versa.
Many passengers, including outsiders, faced problems who were returning by bus either to Jeypore or passing through it.
Most of the businessmen didn’t open their shops showing their support to the farmers. Political parties like the Congress and the CPI also joined the agitation.
“We have approached every level of the administration and Government for payment of our paddy dues but got no response. With no option left, we finally took to the street,” said Manch president Madan Samantray.
He said if their demands are not fulfilled hereafter, the farmers would allow the administration to procure Kharif paddy.
“We, Congress MlAs, will meet the Governor tomorrow and if the payments are not made by November 29, then we will observe bandh in the whole Koraput district on November 30,” said Congress MlA Tara Bahinipati.
Adequate security arrangements were made during the bandh to ensure maintaining of law and order situation in the town.