While the demand for a permanent bench in Western Odisha, has taken a decisive turn, lawyers in undivided Koraput districts – Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Koraput held an economic blockade yesterday, demanding a permanent bench of Orissa High Court at Jeypore.

The bandh call was supported by all major political parties – BJD, Congress and BJP, student organisations, NGOs, citizen forums and public. Buses, trucks, taxis and other vehicles stayed off the roads. Colleges, schools and other business establishments remain closed, while there was minimum attendance at the government offices and institutions.

The bandh call was total in these four districts. Even small villages and towns participated in the strike, demanding justice to the region. The Koraput region (largest in Odisha) is located at a distance of 600-650 km from Cuttack. Hence, the demand for a permanent Orissa High Court Bench seems to be fully justified.