Khordha, Aug 22: Normal life came to a standstill in Begunia on Friday as opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) enforced a 12-hour bandh, pressing for the long-standing demand to grant Notified Area Council (NAC) status to the town.

From early morning, shops, markets, and educational institutions remained shuttered, while vehicular movement was severely disrupted across the region.

Protesters blocked key roads and staged demonstrations, urging the Odisha government to recognise Begunia’s growing urban profile and include it in the next phase of NAC declarations.

Residents joined the bandh in large numbers, expressing frustration over the town’s exclusion from the recently proposed list of NACs.

The shutdown remained peaceful, with police deployed to maintain order and ensure safety.

The Odisha government had earlier announced plans to constitute 12 new NACs across seven districts, but Begunia was notably absent from the list.