Bhubaneswar: Protesting the three newly enacted farm laws, farmers across the country supported by many Opposition parties and some sections of people have called for ‘Bharat Bandh’ – a nationwide shutdown that will remain in force from 11 am till 3 am today.
Normal life came to a grinding halt here in Odisha as vehicular movement on many routes has been disrupted as protestors have blocked roads by burning tyres. Train services too were affected due to rail roko agitation at many stations over demands to repeal the new farm laws.
Several opposition parties, including the Congress, CPI, CPM, SUCI, All India Forward Block, CPI(ML), CPI (ML) have voiced their support for the bandh. Farmer leaders have however assured that the closure would be ‘peaceful’ and the sole aim of the Bandh is to send a message to the government that the protest is a national movement.
It is to be noted that emergency services have been permitted to operate freely.
Meanwhile, the State…