Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): More than 100 protesters were detained as the 12-hour Odisha bandh called by the INDIA bloc disrupted normal activities across the state on Thursday, prompting heightened security in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S Debadatta Singh said 32 platoons of police personnel were deployed across the two cities to maintain law and order during the bandh.
Of the total force, 18 platoons were deployed in Bhubaneswar and 14 in Cuttack, while more than 200 police officers were stationed at key locations to monitor the situation.
Police Step Up Security
The Commissioner said strict action would be taken against anyone involved in violence or unlawful activities during the bandh.
Police personnel were deployed at important junctions and other sensitive locations, with particular focus on ensuring that emergency services and essential public movement were not affected.
Special arrangements were also made to facilitate the movement of patients and people requiring urgent medical assistance.
Security teams were deployed to keep train services and traffic on national highways moving, officials said.
Protesters Take to Streets
Congress and other INDIA bloc workers staged demonstrations and picketing at several locations from the morning.
Shops and commercial establishments were reportedly forced to shut at some places, while protesters also blocked roads and highways. In some areas, tyres were allegedly set ablaze during road blockades.
The bandh also affected bus services across Odisha, leaving passengers stranded at several locations and disrupting regular travel.
Opposition Lists Key Demands
The INDIA bloc has called the statewide bandh over several demands, including opposition to the MMDR Amendment Bill and a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
With police maintaining a heavy presence across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, authorities said the focus remained on preventing violence while ensuring that emergency and essential services continued during the shutdown.