TNI Bureau: Sambalpur district is observing a 12-hour bandh today in protest against alleged irregularities in the procurement of kharif paddy. The shutdown began at 6 am and will continue till 6 pm.

The bandh has been called by the Sambalpur Krushak Suraksha Sangathan, with hundreds of farmers participating in the protest. Shops, markets, offices and commercial establishments remain closed across the district. Organisers clarified that national highways and railway services have not been affected.

Government and private offices, banks, educational institutions and business establishments are closed as part of the bandh, while essential services have been exempted.

Farmer leader Ashok Pradhan said the agitation has been continuing for over two weeks, alleging that around 10,000 procurement tokens are still pending. He said the bandh was called after repeated demands failed to elicit a response from the government.

Ahead of the shutdown, farmers held a motorcycle rally in Sambalpur on Thursday to mobilise public support. Several organisations and educational institutions have extended support to the protest.

Farmers have indicated that the agitation may continue in phases until all pending procurement tokens are issued.