Sambalpur/Rourkela, Aug. 26: A 12-hour bandh call in west Odisha by Koshal State Coordination Committee demanding creation of a separate state paralysed normal life today.

The committee has been demanding a separate Koshal state for the 10 western districts besides Athmallick sub-division of Angul district.

The effect of the bandh was felt in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh Bargarh and Sundargarh districts with educational institution, courts, banks and financial institution, shops and business establishments, state and central government offices remaining closed.

The public transport was also hit due to the agitation. Even auto rickshaws remained off the streets in Sambalpur. Several trains were stranded at various railway stations.

"I was supposed to go to Bargarh to attend a family function today, but I did not get a bus," said Ratnamani Seth, a resident.

People also suffered as hotels and restaurants were closed. "I stay at a rented house and order food from outside. But today all the restaurants were closed here," said Rudra Dehury, a student.

Private company employees also faced difficulties in attending their offices. Rajat Panda, who works in Jharsuguda, could not attend his office.

However, there was lukewarm response to the bandh call in Rourkela.

Life here remained more or less normal as business establishments, banks, offices and other institutions stayed open. However, as a precautionary measure, schools and colleges remained closed.

Life in Sundargarh was affected as shops and business establishments downed their shutters. Schools and government offices were also closed. Both private and government buses stayed off the roads. Though there was no violence, the police had taken 23 people into custody.

Koshal Kranti Dal district president Upendra Mohapatra said: "The bandh was peaceful and spontaneous. Several social organisations of west Odisha extended their support to the agitation."

"The western part of the state has been lying neglected for a long time. The support of common people to the agitation reflects that the people of this region want a separate state. The state government should immediately recommend to the central government for a separate Koshal state," said Mohapatra.