Mixed response to bandh over caste-based quota in Odisha

SAMBALPUR: Even though caste divide hardly exists in western Odisha, the 12-hour nationwide bandh call against caste-based reservation in education and jobs, purportedly by higher caste, evoked mixed response across western Odisha on Tuesday.

The bandh evoked spontaneous response over the call given in social media rather than any prior announcement made ahead of the bandh. Except in Nuapada, the bandh  passed off peacefully and there was no report of any violence. While police deployment was augmented and normalcy restored in Nuapada, Khariar Merchants Association, dominated by upper caste, called for Khariar bandh on Wednesday.

The bandh comes a week after Dalit groups across the country held a nationwide protest against the alleged dilution of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act by the Supreme Court, which witnessed massive violence in different parts of the country leading to the death of 11 persons.

The bandh was complete in Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur and Boudh. It had no effect in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda. However, the National Highway passing through the districts wore a deserted look. The bandh saw educational and financial institutions, business and commercial establishments and Government offices remain shut for the day while public transport and heavy vehicles were off the road.

Tension ran high in Nuapada for sometime after Dalit Adhikar Manch, Khariar had a face-off with upper caste people over the the bandh call. Sources said the Manch members sought to explain that their fight was against the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Act. This led to a heated argument and face-off between the Manch members and some upper caste people aggravated. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

Jeypore: The Bharat bandh call received good response in the tribal region as normal life was affected. The anti-reservation groups demonstrated at different traffic chowks in Jeypore and Koraput and blocked the highways. Vehicular traffic was severely hit.

Nabarangpur: Bandh was total in Nabarangpur district. Vehicles remained off the roads. Educational institutions, business establishments, banks and some offices remained closed.

Bhawanipatna: The bandh evoked mixed response in Kalahandi. It was total in Junagarh, Kalampur, Dharamgarh, Jaipatna, Bijmara, Mathura and  Koksara under Dharamgarh sub-division. Traffic on NH-26 was disrupted due to road blockade at several places. However, there was no impact of bandh in Bhawanipatna.

Balangir: Normal life was thrown out of gear due to bandh in Balangir. All Government and private offices, banks and insurance offices remained closed. School and colleges declared holiday. Commuters faced untold difficulties as vehicular traffic was paralysed.