Odisha bandh: Life normal in Bhubaneswar despite protests
Bhubaneswar remains unaffected by the state-wide Odisha bandh called over textbook errors. Police detained a few individuals attempting road blockades.
Despite a statewide 12-hour bandh called across Odisha, life in the capital city of Bhubaneswar remained completely normal on Wednesday. The protest, organized by various groups over alleged errors in school textbooks, failed to disrupt the daily routines of the city's residents.
Police maintain order amidst protests
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for Bhubaneswar, Saravana Vivek M, confirmed that the city remained unaffected by the shutdown. To ensure public safety and order, the police department had implemented extensive security arrangements across the capital.
Key details of the police deployment include:
- Senior police officials were stationed at critical locations to monitor the situation.
- Security was heightened to prevent any major disruptions to public movement.
- Law enforcement intervened when a small number of individuals attempted to obstruct traffic at major intersections.
The DCP noted that a handful of people were detained after they attempted to blockade roads, specifically at the high-traffic Master Canteen Chowk.
Business and transport continue as usual
While protesters staged demonstrations in certain areas, the core functions of the city continued without interruption. The DCP emphasized that the bandh had no significant impact on the city's infrastructure or commerce.
"The situation is completely normal. Traffic is normal, shops and markets are completely open, and offices are functioning. All officers are reaching their respective offices properly," the DCP stated.
Protesters demand minister's resignation
The statewide agitation was called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and the Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan (NYCS). The protesters are demanding the immediate resignation of the Odisha School and Mass Education Minister, Nityananda Gond.
The core of the grievance lies in alleged errors found within school textbooks. The organizations have warned that they will intensify their agitation if the state government fails to address their demands and take action regarding the textbook issues.
Despite the protests, which included burning tyres at the Baramunda bus stand and attempting to block national highways, the city of Bhubaneswar maintained its usual pace of life throughout the day.