Bhubaneswar, Jan 28 (NationPress) The statewide bandh initiated by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) on Wednesday had a partial effect on daily activities across Odisha. This organization observed an eight-hour Odisha Bandh from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. in response to disarray at state-run mandis and significant mismanagement in the paddy procurement system.

In addition to this, the farmers' group protested against the alleged coercive installation of electricity smart meters and the imposition of hefty fines on vehicle owners related to the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). It’s important to note that the opposition parties, including the Congress, Left parties, and other supportive groups, expressed their solidarity with the NNKS's bandh call.

Interestingly, the main opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), also showed its moral support for the bandh. Despite the protests and picketing by NNKS members and Congress, many commercial establishments remained operational. Even in Bhubaneswar, shops and malls resumed normal operations after 11 a.m.

However, most educational institutions closed due to the bandh call, and private bus services were suspended in various areas, causing a partial disruption in public transport. Emergency and medical services, however, continued without interruption, and train services across the state remained unaffected.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena reported to the media that around 11 a.m., demonstrators held rallies at multiple locations in Bhubaneswar, culminating at the Master Canteen area, where police concluded the rally.

He mentioned that several protesters, including some leaders of the organization, were detained as a precautionary measure and taken to the Commissionerate Police Control Office.

“More than 50 individuals were taken into custody from various locations and transported in buses to the control office to prevent disruption of traffic and public movement,” the DCP stated.

Meanwhile, NNKS leader Akshaya Kumar criticized the state government for neglecting the plight of farmers, daily wage workers, and regular citizens. He alleged that despite claims of economic growth, the benefits are not reaching those at the grassroots level.

“Farmers are compelled to sell their produce at mandis at significant losses. What should be approximately 40 quintals is recorded as merely 10 quintals officially. They haven’t received a token. Instead of resolving these problems, the police are being utilized to silence our voices,” Kumar remarked.

He further asserted that exorbitant fines are being levied on ordinary citizens under the PUC certificate system, placing an additional financial burden on motorists.

Regarding the power sector, he accused Tata Power of “exploiting consumers” through what he termed as unreasonable and unjustified charges. He claimed these issues have garnered widespread public support throughout Odisha.

“The government is ignoring the people's voices. If our concerns continue to be disregarded, this movement will only intensify in the coming days,” Kumar warned.