Baripada, Dec 19: Mayurbhanj Adivasi Students Association today observed a 12-hour bandh in the district protesting against the non-presence of Santhali language in the new 2000 and 500 currency notes.
Vehicular movement in the district came to a halt along with the shops and business houses remained close, as the members of the tribal body were seen boycotting at various places, as a part of the protest. They demanded, as the language is recognized by the constitution of India, it should find its place in the new currency notes.
On a report basis, only 0.24 percent of the population speak Konkani, 0.28 percent speak Nepali, 0.54 speak Kashmiri. But even after 0.63 percent of population speaks Santhali, the Ol Chiki Script did not find its place in the notes, Said sources.
During the protest the police have detained some members of the body including the Association president Sultal Marandi.