Normal life across Orissa was badly affected on September 12 in the wake of a three-hour bandh observed by Rameswaram Ram Sethu Raksha Manch protesting the UPA government's move to destroy the age-old Ram Sethu, constructed by Lord Rama a 17,50,000 years ago. Rallies were organised in every district and tehsil headquarters to educate the people. Highways were blocked, trains were stopped and even the two-wheelers were not seen over the roads for three hours?8 am to 11 am. The general public spontaneously took part in demonstration and made it a success. Many places like Khurdha, Kondhamal, Boudh observed bandh in their own style, from dawn to afternoon, in which 23,405 people were arrested all over the state.
According to sources all the 30 districts took part in the movement and 312 places saw the Hindu upsurge. 14 railway stations were crammed by Rambhaktas and traffic on 21 national highways came to a big halt. Shri Tanmay Mohapatra, co-convener for Eastern Orissa, informed that 21 districts of that region were thronged by 16,741 people who blocked nine railway stations and 11 national highways. Likewise Shri Deepak Kumar Rout, co-convener for western Orissa, said that 6664 people of all the Vanvasi districts staged demonstration and blocked five railway stations and 10 national highways. Sambalpur witnessed a massive participation of general masses by beating their traditional bands and drums. Robbed in their traditional attires, the Vanvasis took part in road blockades and staged dharnas near the township.
