Bandh in Keonjhar to protest Soren's demand for greater Jharkhand

Bhubaneswar, Jul 24 (UNI) Life in Keonjhar district was paralysed today in response to a dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the Bharatiya Janata Party as a mark of protest against JMM Supremo Shibu Soren's demand for a ''Greater Jharkhand''.

Mr Soren had reportedly suggested the merger of three mineral -rich districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh with Jharkhand for the formation of greater Jharkhand.

Life was paralysed in Mayurbhanj district yesterday as the people of the district extended their wholehearted support for the day-long bandh call given jointly by ruling BJP and BJD.

A report from Keonjhar said the shops and market establishments were closed and vehicles were off the road in response to the bandh.

Educational institutions, offices, Banks and financial institutions, executive and Judicial courts were also closed today.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJD had given call for Keonjhar bandh on July 31 to lodge their strong protest against Mr Soren's demand.

UNI BD-DP SJC RL KN2215