Subarnapur, Oct 24: A 12-hour bandh is being observed today in Subalaya Panchayat of Birmaharajpur block in Subarnapur district, as residents demand the immediate declaration of the area as a Notified Area Council (NAC). The bandh has been called by the Subalaya NAC Action Committee.

The protest follows growing frustration over the delay in formalising NAC status. Locals argue that the lack of recognition has hindered development and access to civic amenities.

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Since early morning, the bandh has disrupted normal life. Shops, markets, schools, colleges, and public transport services are shut, with only emergency services exempted. Protesters are picketing at key locations, raising slogans and urging the government to act on their demand.

Committee members stated that Subalaya meets all necessary criteria for NAC recognition, including population benchmarks and urban infrastructure.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order, and the bandh has remained peaceful so far.