India, Oct. 8 -- The impact of the Odisha bandh was witnessed across Malkangiri on Thursday, with schools, shops and markets remaining closed and vehicular movement disrupted across all seven blocks.

Congress workers staged pickets at several locations and stopped vehicles. They also urged shopkeepers to keep their establishments shut. Essential services, however, remained operational without disruption.

Protesters Back Bandh Demands A protester said, "All the members of the INDIA Bloc came and supported us today. Our protest will continue till our demands are fulfilled."

Another protester said essential services, including fire services, hospitals and other such services were available without any disruption during the bandh.

Bandh I...