Economic blockade in Orissa town

Transportation of goods in NH-6 and NH-42 was severely affected following an day-long economic blockade being observed by lawyers in Western Orissa here today.

The economic blockade was launched in support of their demand for setting up a permanent bench of the Orissa high court in Western region of the state.

As a result, thousands of goods carriers including four-wheelers and three-wheelers ferrying commodities were not allowed to ply by agitators.

Besides members of the bar, political leaders, students, women, youths and  socialites had participated in the agitation.

Outgoing BJP state unit chief Suresh Pujari, a lawyer himself, had also extended his support to the cause.

However, vehicles being used for ferrying passengers were exempted from the purview of the blockade.

Meanwhile, keeping this in view, police deployment was made at many places on the roads leading to this western Orissa town, police said.

Pradip Kumar Bohidar, president of Sambalpur district Bar Association has threatened that unless their demand was coneded before January 25 next, they would resort to indefinite hunger strike and economic blockade in the district.