Malkangiri (Odisha), March 25 Normal life was disrupted in Malkangiri district of Odisha on Wednesday due to a 12-hour bandh called by the Congress over various issues, including those related to paddy procurement and shortages in LPG supply.
Commercial establishments, educational institutions, and many offices remained closed due to the bandh, which began at 6 am.
Traffic movement was also disrupted in the southern Odisha district as Congress workers staged road blockades at multiple locations, including a state highway. However, emergency services were permitted to operate, police said.
The Congress members demanded the immediate procurement of paddy from farmers at the mandis (local markets).
"As the government has almost stopped procuring paddy from farmers, they are facing hardship at the mandis," said Congress leader Gobind Patra.
Due to unseasonal rainfall, the paddy crops of the farmers have been damaged. Therefore, the government should provide them with compensation, he said.
Padma Ranjan Pangi, another Congress leader from the district, said that the people of Malkangiri are facing shortages of LPG cylinders, petrol, and diesel.
The government should ensure an adequate supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders, he said.
"If the government fails to procure paddy from farmers by the end of this month, we will stage a protest in front of the office of the district collector here," a protesting Congress leader said.