Bhubaneswar, 30 September (H.S.): A 12-hour statewide bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and supported by the Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan (NYCS) was observed across Odisha on Wednesday, with protesters blocking roads at several places and demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over alleged errors in school textbooks.

The bandh, observed from 6 am to 6 pm, was called over a six-point charter of demands, with the minister’s resignation being one of the key demands.

Members of the two organisations staged demonstrations at several locations across the state. In Bhubaneswar, protesters blocked the National Highway near the Baramunda bus stand and burnt tyres during the agitation, disrupting vehicular movement.

The protesters raised slogans urging people across Odisha to extend support to their demands and alleged that errors in school textbooks reflected serious shortcomings in the state’s education system.

“We have received support from people across Odisha. Bus services have also been affected and students have extended their support. There are several errors in school textbooks, which shows that the education system has failed. Therefore, we are demanding the resignation of the School and Mass Education Minister,” a protester at Baramunda bus stand said.

Protesters blocked National Highways at several locations from 6 am as part of the statewide agitation. Bus services were also affected in several areas during the bandh.

The organisations claimed that the bandh received widespread public support across the state.

However, emergency services were kept outside the purview of the bandh. Ambulances, fire service vehicles and vehicles engaged in electricity-related services were allowed to operate.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda