Nabarangpur, Feb 10: The Umerkote Sangram Manch has intensified its agitation in Nabarangpur district, enforcing a dawn-to-dusk bandh across two assembly constituencies -Umerkote and Jharigam- on Tuesday.

The bandh, which began at 6 AM, is in protest against long-standing demands that remain unmet, including land settlement issues, establishment of a medical college in Umerkote, resolution of paddy mandi problems, and fair sale of maize, the protesters said.

Protest Details

The bandh has been observed in Umerkote, Raighar, Jharigam, and Chandahandi blocks. The Sangram Manch alleged that despite repeated appeals, the government has failed to address the pressing concerns of the region.

Key Demands

The agitators are demanding proper land settlement for local residents, the setting up of a medical college in Umerkote to improve healthcare access, and solutions to farmers’ challenges in selling paddy and maize crops. Farmers have long complained of inadequate mandi facilities and poor procurement policies.

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Impact of Bandh

Meanwhile, the dawn-to-dusk bandh has severely disrupted normal life. Shops, schools, and transport services remained closed, while commuters faced significant problems due to halted bus and vehicle services.

Connectivity between Umerkote and Nabarangpur was hampered, and road links between Odisha and Chhattisgarh were also disrupted. The Sangram Manch has warned that the agitation will continue until concrete steps are taken by the authorities.