Bandh in Kandhamal district

called by a tribal outfit in Odisha's Kandhamal district against the state's policy for appointment of sikshya sahayaks evoked mixed response on the first day today.

Shops and commercial establishments, educational institutions, banks and petrol pumps were closed in the district headquarters town of Phulbani, police sources said.

In contrast, the situation was normal in places like Balliguda, G Udayagiri, Raikia, Tikabali, Chakapad, Daringbadi, Kotagarh and Tumudibandh, the sources said.

The bandh, called by the Kui Samaj Samannay Samiti (KSSS) was peaceful, a police official said.

The joint action committee led by KSSS is demanding a district cadre of sikshya sayayaks instead of the state cadre. It is opposing appointment of sikshya sayayaks from outside Kandhamal district.

 

Opposing the bandh, General Secretary of Kandhmal Vikash Parishad Ashok Kumar Parida, said there was no justification for the shut-down and the issue should be settled amicably.