Bhubaneswar, Oct 8 (UDN): The Odisha Home Department has placed all District Collectors and District Magistrates on alert ahead of the statewide bandh called by opposition parties on Thursday, October 8.
In a communication issued to district administrations, the Home Department directed authorities to take preventive measures and remain vigilant to maintain law and order during the bandh.
The statewide shutdown has been called by parties associated with the INDIA bloc, including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP and Samajwadi Party, among others.
Bandh From 6 AM to 6 PM
According to the Home Department, the bandh is scheduled to be observed from 6 am to 6 pm on October 8.
The proposed protests may include road blockades, rallies, demonstrations, picketing and Rail Roko, besides attempts to shut mines, government offices, educational institutions, markets and commercial establishments.
The government has asked district authorities to assess the situation in their respective areas and take appropriate precautionary steps to prevent disruptions or untoward incidents.
Focus on Essential Services
Collectors have been instructed to coordinate closely with district Superintendents of Police and maintain heightened vigilance, particularly in sensitive locations.
The Home Department has also stressed the need to ensure the smooth functioning of Central and State government offices and protect essential services during the bandh.
Adequate security arrangements have been sought around government establishments and other vulnerable locations, while district administrations have been directed to keep the situation under continuous watch.
Authorities Asked to Prevent Disruptions
The administration has been advised to remain prepared for any attempt to forcibly enforce the shutdown or disrupt public services.
The government’s directions come as district authorities gear up to manage possible traffic disruptions, demonstrations and closure attempts across the state while ensuring that essential services continue without interruption.
Leave a Reply