Bargarh: Normal life came to a standstill in Bheden block of Bargarh district on Thursday following a 12-hour bandh called by Jai Kisan Andolan, a farmers’ body, pressing the government for immediate disbursement of crop insurance due of farmers.
The bandh which started at 6 AM in the morning and is scheduled to continue till 6 PM in the evening, witnessed deserted streets and closed shops across Bheden area.
Government and private schools along with other educational institutions in the area also remained closed in view of the protests held by bandh supporters.
Road blockades were held at several key points in the block by Jai Kisan Andolan activists which disrupted the traffic movement starting from the morning.
“We demand immediate clearance of the farmers’ pending dues under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana by correction in the ACF. If the government makes further delay in fulfilling our demands they the stir will be intensified in coming days,” said Utpanna Kumar Bhoi, president, Jai Kisan Andolan Bargarh.
Notably, Western Odisha Farmers Coordination Committee is holding protests since April 11 this year for immediate release of crop insurance due to farmers in the state. The Jai Kisan Andolan, joined the stir on August 31 and locked up Bheden Cooperative Bank to hold protests.
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Ms Kalinga