Bandh demanding medical college observed in Baripada

Baripada, May 3 (UNI) A 24-hour long ''Baripada Bandh,'' called by the Bhanja Sena, a local outfit, demanding establishment of a Medical College paralysed life in this district headquarters town today.

Both the state and central government offices, educational institutions, banks, post offices and business establishments remained closed.

Buses on local and inter-state routes did not ply in response to the bandh call. Movement of traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway 5 was disrupted for nearly two hours.

Official sources said normal movement of traffic was restored after obstructions by the bandh supporters were cleared.

Police arrested 22 Bhanja Sena activists for picketing at different places till noon.

Official sources said the bandh was so far peaceful and no untoward incidents were reported from any place of the town.Bhanja Sena President Kalinga Keshari Jena thanked the people of Baripada for their spontaneous response to the bandh call to press for the establishment of a government medical college in Baripada.

UNI