Rourkela: A dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the BJP in Sundargarh district passed off peacefully Thursday. The saffron party’s Mahila Morcha and ST Cell had given the bandh call two days back demanding CBI inquiry into the mysterious deaths of assistant collector Sushmita Minz and Udit Nagar police ASI Alice Narmi Lugun. “The bandh call given by our party was a total success and remained peaceful in Sundargarh. I am thankful to all the residents of the district who cooperated with us and made this a total success. I would also thank all the party workers for their support,” said BJP state spokesperson Dhiren Senapaty Thursday evening.
There was no report of any untoward incident or violence from any part of the district. Schools, colleges, banks, offices, and other institutions, both private and public, downed their shutters. Only the medicine shops, milk booths, and small eateries were open. Public passenger vehicles remained off the road. The general public was not disturbed as they were allowed to move freely. The party cadres staged roadblocks at a couple of places but those were later cleared after instructions came from party leaders. “There was strict instruction that the public should not be disturbed. We are a disciplined party. There is no news of any problem or disturbance,” said Senapaty.
In all the major areas, Sundargarh sadar, Bonai, Rajgangpur, Biramitrapur, and Talsara everywhere the bandh was full and uneventful. “Both of them died under suspicious conditions and the party demands CBI enquiry,” said Senapaty. Meanwhile, after remaining quiet for over 15 days, Sundargarh MP Juel Oram finally gave a statement on the matter. “I appeal for CBI enquiry so that the truth will come out. And also request all to make the bandh call given by my party a success,” he had said Wednesday evening. All senior leaders of the party were visible on the roads everywhere in the district.