Bhubaneswar, 3 September (H.S.): Normal life came to a grinding halt in Khaira block of Balasore district on Wednesday following a seven-hour bandh called by the Swabhiman Manch. The protest was organised in response to Khaira’s exclusion from the state government’s newly released list of Notified Area Councils (NACs).

The bandh, observed from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., led to the closure of educational institutions, markets, business establishments, and government offices, paralysing routine activities in the region.

Local leaders of the Swabhiman Manch alleged that Khaira’s exclusion was unjust, pointing out that the town had previously been declared an NAC after sustained public agitation during the tenure of the former government.

They criticised the BJP-led state administration for leaving Khaira out in its revised urban local body framework, a move that has triggered widespread resentment among residents.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda