Congress calls KBK Bandh on July 2 to protest Anti-Tribal activities of Odisha Govt

The Congress leader and former Nabarangpur MP Pradeep Majhi and 5 of his associates, who have been on a hunger strike in Umerkote Jail since June 26 entered fifth day on Thursday.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Prasad Harichandan told to media persons that the party will hold bandh in KBK districts on July 2 demanding proper implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA) and protesting against the anti-tribal activities of Odisha government.

The Congress leader was suffering from chest pain and low blood pressure. Two of his associates were taken to hospital for treatment. Sources said the condition of Majhi is critical.

Pradeep and his associates were arrested last week on charges of vandalising the forest range office and assaulting the forest ranger.

They demonstrated demanding immediate allotment of forest land patta to tribals and conduct of a fresh survey to identify eligible BPL beneficiaries of ration cards.