Nabarangpur: For many years, 13 local shopkeepers have been running businesses on the land of the Maharani Club, located on the main road of Nabarangpur. Recently, the club authorities ordered them to vacate the premises, even though the shopkeepers have been paying rent to the club.
Despite obtaining a stay order from the High Court on the 4th, the shopkeepers were being forcefully evicted, with eviction machinery brought in on Monday, which triggered strong opposition. In protest, the shopkeepers and local residents staged a sit-in on National Highway-26, at the government bus stand square, blocking the road.
Nabarangpur police officer Sambit Behera is currently engaged in discussions with the protesters, trying to persuade them to call off the blockade. Under the leadership of social activist Shitesh Pattnaik, the 13 shopkeepers are demanding that the Sub-Collector and Additional District Collector come and resolve the issue. They remain firm in their stand, saying they will not withdraw from the protest until a solution is found.
Police arrived an hour after the protest began and managed to restore normal traffic flow. The shopkeepers have expressed hope that a resolution will come through discussions with the police.