Baripada: An agitation by students from tribal communities over irregularities in payment of post-matric scholarships to them affected daily routines in the region.

College-goers under the banner of Mayurbhanj Adibasi Students Association, lead by students of Maharaja Purna Chandra (MPC) College, on Thursday blocked several roads in the town and the NH-18 by erecting barricades and picketing. At many places, the students burnt tyres to stop traffic. Vehicles were stranded on the highway for several hours. Most shops and business establishments downed shutters and educational institutions were closed in Baripada town.

MPC College students have been protesting against delayed disbursement of their stipends by staging a sit-in at the college gate since March 19.