Protests demanding separate Koshal state in Odisha

Demanding a separate Koshal state comprising western Odisha districts, activists under the banner of Koshal Kranti Dal (KKD) today staged a rail roko agitation here.
As a result, express, passenger and goods trains remained stranded at various railway stations, official sources said.
"We have already requested the state and Union government to take immediate steps for formation of Koshal state," KKD president Upendra Mohapatra said.
Bhubaneswar-Bolangir Intercity Express and a goods train were detained at Sambalpur Road station for some time by activists along with students here.
Howrah-Jagadalpur Express was stranded for some time at Bargarh as slogan shouting agitationists squatted on the railway tracks.

Similar demonstrations were staged at Bolangir and Jharsuguda railway station affecting the traffic.
"The rail roko agitation was successful and people from all walks of life spontaneously participated in it," said KKD president.
Earlier on Saturday, rasta roko agitation was held in 10 districts on national highways and state highways linking Western Odisha, said Mohapatra.