Bhubaneswar, March 25 -- Normal life came to a standstill across Malkangiri on Wednesday as a 12-hour bandh called by the district unit of the Congress evoked a widespread response over a four-point charter of demands.

According to sources, shops, markets, schools, colleges, and offices remained closed during the shutdown, while vehicular movement was severely affected on major roads. Public transport services were disrupted, and several areas in the district wore a deserted look as the bandh supporters enforced the shutdown.

The protesters demanded the immediate lifting of paddy from mandis, alleging that farmers are facing hardship due to delays. They also sought compensation for crop losses caused by unseasonal rains in recent days. ...