The Sambalpur Nagarika Kriyanusthana Committee on Wednesday called a 12-hour bandh in the city demanding formation of a separate State of Koshala comprising the districts of western Odisha.
The committee also demanded establishment of a permanent Bench of the Orissa High Court in Sambalpur.
Shops and business establishments remained closed while vehicular movement was affected due to the dawn-to-dusk bandh from 6 am to 6 pm.
However, emergency services, educational institutions and vehicles carrying examinees were excluded from the ambit of the bandh.
Various traders’ associations extended support to the bandh call.
Members of the Sambalpur Nagarika Kriyanusthana Committee alleged that the Odisha Government has been conspiring to prevent establishment of a High Court Bench in Sambalpur.
