Bhubaneswar, 28 May (H.S.): A 12-hour bandh was observed in Jeypore on Thursday following a shutdown call by the Joint Action Committee, demanding the revival and reopening of the long-defunct paper mill. The mill has remained non-operational since 2016.

The bandh, enforced from 6 am to 6 pm, significantly affected normal life in the town. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed, while vehicular movement was disrupted in several areas.

Protesters staged demonstrations at key intersections across Jeypore since morning, raising slogans and urging the government to take immediate steps for the revival of the paper mill.

Employees and retired workers associated with the unit said they continue to remain in uncertainty despite multiple rounds of discussions with government officials and recent inspections conducted by a private company regarding the possible revival of the facility.

However, with no concrete outcome emerging from these efforts, workers and employees called for the 12-hour bandh, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in restoring operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda