Odisha bandh called by farmers' body partially disrupts normal life

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28 -- Normal life was partially affected in some parts of Odisha on Wednesday following an eight-hour bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS).

The farmers' organisation observed the shutdown to protest alleged irregularities in paddy procurement, the imposition of fines for pollution certificates, and the alleged exploitation of consumers through Tata Power's smart meters.

The NNKS claimed that the bandh received support from opposition parties, including the Congress, BJD, and CPI.

As part of the protest, NNKS activists blocked roads at several locations by burning tyres and staging pickets in the state capital and other parts of Odisha. In some areas, shops and business establishments remained closed,...