Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 30 : Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saravana Vivek M on Wednesday said that normal life remained unaffected in the city despite a bandh call given by an organisation across Odisha.
On Wednesday morning, members of Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) and Nabnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan (NYCS) staged a protest in Bhubaneswar by blocking a national highway and burning tyres at Baramunda bus stand as part of a 12-hour statewide Odisha bandh called over alleged textbook errors.
Speaking to ANI, the Dy Commissioner said that extensive security arrangements were made in the capital city, with senior police officials deployed at critical locations to maintain law and order.
"There was a bandh call given by an organisation today throughout the state of Odisha. We had made extensive arrangements in the capital city, Bhubaneswar, and senior force officers were deployed at critical locations. There is absolutely no impact, and life is completely normal," he said.
He said that traffic movement, shops, markets, and offices were functioning normally in Bhubaneswar.
"The situation is completely normal. Traffic is normal, shops and markets are completely open, and offices are functioning. All officers are reaching their respective offices properly," he added.
The Dy Commissioner further said that a few people were detained after they attempted to block roads at key locations, including Master Canteen Chowk.
"Very few, a handful of people, were detained. They were trying to block roads, especially at the most important Master Canteen Chowk, so they were detained," he said.
Reiterating that the bandh had no impact on the city, Dy Commissioner Saravana Vivek M said, "Life is completely normal today in Bhubaneswar, and there is no effect of the bandh in Bhubaneswar today."
Meanwhile, the protesters are demanding the resignation of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, alleging errors in school textbooks and seeking action from the state government.
The organisations have warned of intensifying their agitation if their demand for the minister's resignation is not addressed.