Local outfit Bhanja Sena on Wednesday observed a nine-hour bandh in Mayurbhanj district alleging administrative negligence in tackling the wildfire in Similipal National Park which is yet to be extinguished completely. Members of outfit staged road blockades on National Highway in the district by burning tyres, thereby disrupting vehicular traffic.
Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the road.Educational institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed in the district due to bandh call.
The Bhanja Sena demanded thatState Government take adequate steps for dousing flames at earliest. Its leaders also demanded dismissal of some Forest Department officials of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR). The Congress, the CPI(M) and CITU extended support to bandh.