Jharsuguda, Feb. 12 -- Daily business came to a halt after students' front organisation called a 12-hour bandh over various issues in Odisha's Jharsuguda district today. While shops and other commercial establishments remained closed, vehicular traffic continued as usual.

Various associations and social organisations lent support to the strike which was called over poor state of affairs of higher education in the district. The agitators raised concerns including absence of a government college and demands for establishment of Plus III college for 19 villages in bordering areas of Lakhanpur block, setting up of PG, B.Ed, Mining Engineering, Government Engineering College, etc.

Various places reported picketing during the protest. Securit...