Normal life came to a standstill today as the District Women’s Unity Forum observed a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk bandh, demanding immediate improvements to local healthcare. From 6 AM to 6 PM, shops, markets, and business establishments remained shuttered across the district.
The protest severely impacted transit, with hundreds of vehicles stranded on National Highway 49. While the forum exempted emergency services, the blockades created significant disruptions for commuters. The unrest stems from months of deteriorating patient care at the Old District Hospital, with protesters demanding 24-hour medical services and better staffing.
Tensions rose as police moved in to pick up demonstrators to clear the highway. Forum leaders stated that the strike was a "last resort" to draw the government's attention to the plight of patients and their families. Authorities are currently monitoring the situation to ensure public order.