The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), National Youth for Climate and Sustainability (NYCS), and other allied organisations have announced a statewide bandh in Odisha on Wednesday, January 28, to press for various demands.
The shutdown is expected to involve widespread sit-ins, demonstrations, and protest rallies across the state. This could lead to the closure of business establishments, markets, central and state government offices, courts, petrol pumps, banks, and other financial institutions. Additionally, vehicular traffic and rail services may face disruptions.
In response to the potential unrest, the Odisha government has issued precautionary directives to all district collectors and magistrates. A letter from R.K. Sharma, Special Secretary of the Home Department, outlines concerns that protesters may force closures of commercial outlets, create disturbances in market areas, hinder government office operations, disrupt court proceedings, shut down fuel stations, and interfere with banking services. There is also apprehension about the impacts on road and rail transport.
The organisation’s members are anticipated to stage protests outside key locations, including district collectors’ offices, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), Tata Power offices, and all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) statewide. Activities such as dumping paddy sacks during these demonstrations are also possible.
To mitigate risks, the government has urged district authorities to implement all necessary preventive measures to uphold law and order. Officials are instructed to stay vigilant against any untoward incidents during the bandh on January 28 and ensure the seamless functioning of essential government services. Continuous monitoring of the situation is emphasised to safeguard critical operations and maintain emergency services across the state.
The bandh’s potential to disrupt daily life has prompted expectations of heightened police and administrative vigilance to keep the situation under control.
