Dawn-To-Dusk VHP Bandh In Fourteen Western Odisha Dists Over Sambalpur Violence Hits Normal Life

Soumyashree April 19, 2023

70 1 minute read

As a mark of protest against the violence during Hanuman Jayanti in Sambalpur, the members of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) are observing a dawn-to-dusk bandh in 14 districts in undivided Koraput and western Odisha districts.

The bandh call is supported by Bajarang Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The bandh, which started at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm in the evening today, has affected normal lives in several districts as VHP workers were seen picketing at various places to make the bandh a successful one.

According to the information, the VHP members are observing a ‘peaceful’ bandh in Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada.

While most of the shops and business establishments remained closed in these districts, vehicular movement was severely affected as members of the VHP staged road blockade at various places. They were also seen resorting to picketing.

The BJP has extended its support to the bandh call. The agitators have demanded stringent action against those involved in the violence.

“If no action is taken against the wrongdoers within 48 hours, we will observe a bandh across the state,” a VHP leader said.

It is worth mentioning here that violence erupted during a motorcycle procession organised by Hanuman Jayanti Samanwaya Samiti in Sambalpur Town ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti on April 12 leaving several people, including police personnel, injured and vehicles damaged.

The violence occurred again in the town on April 14 when the Hanuman Jayanti procession was passing through Sambalpur town. A number of shops were torched and ransacked on the night of April 14.

So far, Odisha Police has arrested 86 people for their alleged involvement in the violence in Sambalpur city, a curfew was imposed in Sambalpur on April 15 and the state government suspended internet services in Sambalpur district till 10.00 am on Wednesday.