Kosal state movement

The demand for secession from the state of Odisha arose mostly because of the prolonged underdevelopment and backwardness of this region. Pro-separatist groups have repeatedly claimed the state government is not doing enough for the development of undeveloped districts of western Odisha.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

To develop the western Odisha region, the state government has established a Western Odisha Development Council (WODC).{{cite web |url=http://www.wodcorissa.org/ |title=WODC : Western Orissa Development Council |publisher=Wodcorissa.org |date=31 March 2011 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220013912/http://www.wodcorissa.org/ |archive-date=20 February 2012 |url-status=usurped}} A significant budget is allotted to this council from the total budget of Odisha. But the WODC headquarter is located in the state capital Bhubaneswar rather than in Western Odisha.{{cite web|url=http://kddf.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/mp-bhakta-das-and-sanjaya-bhoi-points-out-reasons-for-koshal-state-demand-in-parliament/ |title=MP Bhakta Das and Sanjaya Bhoi points out reasons for Koshal state demand in parliament « Koshal Discussion and Development Forum |publisher=Kddf.wordpress.com |date=17 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012}}

The incidence of chronic poverty in western Odisha, coupled with government failures to address its rising trends have been the most important factor for the demand for a separate state in Odisha. A majority of the region's population lack the purchasing power to buy sufficient food each day. In the backward districts of Kosal region—Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir and Nuapada more than 60% of people live below the poverty line.[https://archive.today/20130415014507/http://www.indiatogether.org/2009/dec/pov-starve.htm Starvation deaths continue, as officials demur] Recurrent droughts, inadequate irrigation and uneven land distribution have made Kosal a "hunger belt" in Odisha since Independence. The results included large-scale deaths from starvation, child-selling, out-migration and malnourishment.{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/bhubaneshwar/Quit-Patnaik-Oppn-on-Balangir-deaths/Article1-512627.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125135929/http://www.hindustantimes.com/rssfeed/bhubaneshwar/Quit-Patnaik-Oppn-on-Balangir-deaths/Article1-512627.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2013 |title=Quit, Patnaik: Oppn on Balangir deaths |work=Hindustan Times |location=India |date=25 February 2010 |accessdate=13 January 2012 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1820/18200540.htm |title=Hunger and democracy |publisher=Hinduonnet.com |accessdate=13 January 2012 |url-status=usurped |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606125733/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1820/18200540.htm |archivedate=6 June 2011}}

Western Odisha also experiences mining and environmental degradation and tribal displacement. It is reported that farmers from more than eight district depend on water from Hirakud reservoir. Farmers are angry because industries are using a huge amount of this water, leading to frequent protests.{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/41004 |title=30,000 farmers demand Hirakud dam water |publisher=India Environment Portal |date=30 December 2007 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714175613/http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/node/41004/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live}}

There are four government medical colleges in this region, which are in Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi and Sundergarh. The first college was (Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research) in western Odisha.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/224361/VSS-College-Hospital-gets-full-autonomy.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923212509/http://www.dailypioneer.com/224361/VSS-College-Hospital-gets-full-autonomy.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 September 2015|title=The Pioneer|date=23 September 2015}}

Later, a medical college at Balangir named Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital was started in the year 2018.{{cite news|url =https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/new-medical-college-inaugurated-in-balangir/article24835462.ece |title = New medical college inaugurated in Balangir |newspaper = The Hindu |date = 31 August 2018 | publisher = The Hindu, 31 August 2018 | accessdate = 2018-08-31 }} Also two medical college was established at Sundergarh and Bhawanipatna.

The major language of the area is Kosli. It is variously seen either as a dialect of Odia or as a language in its own right,{{Cite thesis| last = Sahu| first = Gopal Krishna| date = 2002| title = A derivational morphology of Sambalpuri| institution = Sambalpur University| hdl = 10603/187186}} and has so far eluded recognition by the state or union governments.{{cite web |author=PTI |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article58221.ece |title=The Hindu : News / National : Requests to include 38 languages in Constitution pending: Govt |publisher=Beta.thehindu.com |date=1 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130012348/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article58221.ece |archive-date=30 January 2016 |url-status=live}}

The demand of a separate state is more than three decades old.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} Lawyer of Supreme Court Shree Prem Ram Dubey was first person to feel the need of a separate state; he submitted a memorandum to the President of India. Local parties from Jharkhand claimed inclusion of Sambalpur and Sundergarh District into Jharkhand. Dubey formed the Kosal Sammelani, which urged the state and union government not to enter into any negotiation with any claimant for the transfer of any part of proposed state.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} Dubey asserted that while Punjab has only 46,000 km², western Odisha has 75,000 sq. km and a population of one crore, still was not provided statehood. He also published the first newspaper for the region "Kosal Khabar" and constituted the "Kosal Sena". He wrote the books Hame Kosli Hamar Bhasa Kosli and "Why Kosal State".{{when|date=July 2020}} In 'Kosal Khabar' he propounded the solutions to carve a separate state to end the discrimination by coastal people on the Kosalites.{{when|date=July 2020}} {{citation needed|date=July 2020}} He was spearhead in most of the protest programmes. The movement was independently supported by former BJP MLA Balgopal Mishra. As reported in "The Indian Express" the Odisha PCC president Hemananda Biswal had strongly opposed the demand for a separate state. Addressing the media, he told in Bhubaneswar that, "the Congress party is committed to the establishment of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) and the Bill in this connection is pending before the legislature".[http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980523/14350634.html Cong flays demand for Kosal state]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Balgopal Mishra reacted to it saying "there is a growing demand for a separate state; it was regrettable that the newly elected MP and some legislators of Bolangir district had failed to see the writing on the wall".

Mishra is famous for his "Kosal Mukti Rath" to generate public opinion in favour of his demand. He generated a lot of public support for a separate state despite stiff opposition from the ruling party. Sapan Mishra of Sambalpur, along with some dedicated youth, chalked out a route map for 'Kosal Mukti Rath' traversing the region, which ultimately made it a mass movement from a class movement.{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/07/stories/2004030703231000.htm |title=BJP legislator spearheads Kosal slogan |location=India |date=7 March 2004 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108195124/http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/07/stories/2004030703231000.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012 |work=The Hindu |url-status=dead}} Later, the "Kosal Rayej Kriyanusthan Committee", which fought Odisha State Assembly & Lok Sabha Election for the cause, was formed.

In 2004 the Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani told reporters in Balangir that India could consider the demand for a separate Kosal state only if the Odisha Assembly passed a resolution in this regard, claiming "a consensus is needed in this matter".{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/45019/ |title=Kosal state only if Orissa wants: Advani |work=The Indian Express |location=India |date=14 April 2004 |accessdate=13 January 2012}}

Various political parties demanded the formation of a new Kosal state composed of the most backward districts of Western Odisha; the call was led by political parties and organisations like Kosal Kranti Dal, Koshli Ekta Manch, Kosal Party, Odisha Sanskrutika Samaj, Kosal Rajya Sangharsha Samiti, Veer Surendra Sai Manch and All Kosal Students Union (AKSU).{{cite web |url=http://kddf.wordpress.com/category/demand-of-koshal-state/ |title=Demand of Koshal state « Koshal Discussion and Development Forum |publisher=Kddf.wordpress.com |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718101713/http://kddf.wordpress.com/category/demand-of-koshal-state/ |archive-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cnfonline.org/2001/2001v9n82.htm|title=Contemporary News & Features|access-date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725183259/http://www.cnfonline.org/2001/2001v9n82.htm|archive-date=25 July 2011|url-status=dead}}http://203.197.197.71/presentation/leftnavigation/news/india/rs-10,000-cr-chavan-package-for-vidharba.aspx {{dead link|date=February 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/224821/Kosal-Dal-holds-demo-in-support-of-separate-State.html|title= Kosal Dal holds demo in support of separate State|access-date=4 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928044441/http://www.dailypioneer.com/224821/Kosal-Dal-holds-demo-in-support-of-separate-State.html|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=live}}

For the first time, a sitting MP from the Indian National Congress party (Sambalpur) and former minister Shri Amarnath Pradhan warned that "If the State Government continued to neglect us then we will not hesitate to demand a separate state".{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article138532.ece|title=Congress MP demands separate W Orissa state|access-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130012349/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article138532.ece|archive-date=30 January 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2009, Sambalpur University Student Union, Rajendra College Balangir Student Union and Balangir Women's College Union supported demands for a separate state.{{cite web |url=http://www.orissadiary.com/Showyournews.asp?id=148 |title=Kosal is our birth right |publisher=Orissadiary.com |date=14 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115223824/http://orissadiary.com/Showyournews.asp?id=148 |archive-date=15 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}[http://www.dailypioneer.com/223496/Kosal-activists-tear-Orissa-map-students-boycott-classes.html Kosal activists tear Orissa map students boycott classes] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201222439/http://www.dailypioneer.com/223496/Kosal-activists-tear-Orissa-map-students-boycott-classes.html |date=1 February 2014 }} In addition, the bar associations in Sambalpur and Balangir demanded the formation of a separate state.{{cite web|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article83672.ece|title=Koshal state: Lawyers up the ante|access-date=24 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164025/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/article83672.ece|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=dead}}[http://www.dailypioneer.com/224104/Balangir-Bar-extends-support-for-Kosal-State.html Balangir Bar extends support for Kosal State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201222444/http://www.dailypioneer.com/224104/Balangir-Bar-extends-support-for-Kosal-State.html |date=1 February 2014 }} Frequently, bandhs (strikes or acts of civil disobedience) are observed in parts of Western Odisha demanding a separate state. Activists have distributed maps of the proposed Koshal state and torn up the Odisha map as a symbolic declaration of separation from Odisha.{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/maps-of-separate-kosala-state-distributed-in-orissa_100291546.html |title=Maps of separate Kosala state distributed in Orissa |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=18 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016213107/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/maps-of-separate-kosala-state-distributed-in-orissa_100291546.html |archive-date=16 October 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.orissatoday.com/district/Orissa_Burla_turns_another_Osmania_Varsity_161209-32092862360623986238723.html|title=OrissaToday.com|website=www.orissatoday.com}}

On 23 December 2009, thousands of members of the Kosal Kranti Dal (KKD) staged a demonstration near the Odisha assembly building.{{cite web|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20091223/818/tnl-thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate.html |accessdate=4 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091227053255/http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20091223/818/tnl-thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate.html |archivedate=27 December 2009 }}[http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-17114.html Thousands stage rally for a separate Kosal state [newkerala.com, United States, 17114]] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402221259/http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews-17114.html |date=2 April 2012 }} The separatist supporters marched on the main street of the capital city Bhubaneswar. Later they gathered to hear dozens of leaders speak about the apathy of the state and central governments towards Western Odisha. According to The Statesman, the protest dharna (peaceful sit-in) was led by the KKD's president Pramod Kumar Misra; other leaders of the party addressed the protestors, exhorting them to launch a mass movement for separate statehood.{{cite web |url=http://kddf.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/kosal-kranti-dal-stages-protest-for-separate-koshal-state/ |title=Kosal Kranti Dal stages protest for separate Kosal state « Kosal Discussion and Development Forum |publisher=Kddf.wordpress.com |date=24 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718101704/http://kddf.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/kosal-kranti-dal-stages-protest-for-separate-koshal-state/ |archive-date=18 July 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=278899 |accessdate=4 February 2011 |title=Thestatesman.net }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Mishra said, "We have separate language. Our culture and traditions are different. Our regions are the poorest in India despite having huge mineral and forest wealth. Only a separate state can improve the condition of our people."{{cite web|url=http://naxatranews.com/news_view.php?news_id=23382 |accessdate=4 February 2011 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}[http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=52475 South Asia Mail] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716112204/http://www.southasiamail.com/news.php?id=52475 |date=16 July 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.worldlatestnews.com/nation-india/politics/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-104184 |title=Thousands stage rally for a separate Kosal state | World Latest News – fast and latest news |publisher=World Latest News |date=23 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430171844/http://www.worldlatestnews.com/nation-india/politics/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-104184 |archive-date=30 April 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://politics.gaeatimes.com/2009/12/23/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-9970/ |title=Thousands stage rally for a separate Kosal state |publisher=Blog.taragana.com |date=23 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329172909/http://politics.gaeatimes.com/2009/12/23/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-9970/ |archive-date=29 March 2012 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-news-national-jmxn4cagacg.html |title=Thousands stage rally for a separate Kosal state |website=Sify |date=23 December 2009 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003173122/http://www.sify.com/news/thousands-stage-rally-for-a-separate-kosal-state-news-national-jmxn4cagacg.html |archive-date=3 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://onespot.wsj.com/indian-politics/2009/12/23/a/553236912-thousands-stage-rally-for-a/ |accessdate=4 February 2011 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://connect.in.com/telangana/article-orissas-regional-party-demands-for-separate-kosal-state-1900269-7abd71ab87853ab457adef7da4b2b7c4fe07d9d8.html Telangana News : Orissa�s Regional Party Demands For Separate Kosal State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322191020/http://connect.in.com/telangana/article-orissas-regional-party-demands-for-separate-kosal-state-1900269-7abd71ab87853ab457adef7da4b2b7c4fe07d9d8.html |date=22 March 2012 }}

On 27 December 2009, The Pioneer published an article saying senior BJD leader and Minister Ananga Udaya Singh Deo was opposed to the creation of a separate state.[http://www.tathya.in/2009/story.asp?sno=3623 Tathya.in] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721181605/http://www.tathya.in/2009/story.asp?sno=3623 |date=21 July 2011 }}[http://www.dailypioneer.com/225415/BJD-against-formation-of-Kosal-state.html The Pioneer :: Home : >> BJD against formation of Kosal state] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233711/http://www.dailypioneer.com/225415/BJD-against-formation-of-Kosal-state.html |date=3 March 2016 }} Addressing the BJD foundation day in Bhubaneswar, Singh Deo said the demand for a separate state gained momentum because the past Congress governments had neglected their interests. "They had only allotted {{INR|1 crore}} for the region's development. But our BJD Government gave {{INR|50 crore}} for the first time to the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) and then enhanced it to {{INR|100 crore}}", he said.[http://www.dailypioneer.com/225594/BJD-vice-president-seeks-special-package-for-Western-Orissa.html The Pioneer :: Home : >> BJD vice president seeks special package for Western Orissa] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052442/http://www.dailypioneer.com/225594/BJD-vice-president-seeks-special-package-for-Western-Orissa.html |date=4 March 2016 }}

After this the members of All Kosal Students' union, led by convener Dolamani Pradhan, held a demonstration before the Collectorate in Balangir town protesting against the anti-Kosal remark by AU Singh Deo, WODC's chairman Prof. Niranjan Panda and Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik and later burning their effigies.[http://www.dailypioneer.com/227728/Effigies-of-Naveen-Singh-Deo-burnt-in-Balangir.html The Pioneer :: Home : >> Effigies of Naveen Singh Deo burnt in Balangir] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045247/http://www.dailypioneer.com/227728/Effigies-of-Naveen-Singh-Deo-burnt-in-Balangir.html |date=4 March 2016 }}

Indo-Asian News Service reported that rail services in Odisha were affected on 10 January 2010 when activists of Kosal Kranti Dal blocked the tracks to press their demand for a separate state.{{cite web |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/strike-seeking-separate-kosala-state-hits-rail-services_100301710.html |title=Strike seeking separate Kosala state hits rail services |publisher=Thaindian.com |date=10 January 2010 |accessdate=13 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016213135/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/strike-seeking-separate-kosala-state-hits-rail-services_100301710.html |archive-date=16 October 2012 |url-status=live}} Hundreds of activists blocked tracks at many places in Western Odisha, including at Balangir, Bargarh, Boinda, Rourkela and Kesinga. Similar protests were also reported in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda, where separatists demanded a "separate state any cost".[http://www.dailypioneer.com/228444/Kosal-State-at-any-cost-claim-activists.html Kosal State at any cost claim activists] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024109/http://www.dailypioneer.com/228444/Kosal-State-at-any-cost-claim-activists.html |date=4 March 2016 }} It was also reported that more than 100 protesters courted arrest at Balangir town and the party leader Pramod Mishra said they will hold more agitations in the coming days.{{cite web|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/43/20100110/836/tbs-strike-seeking-separate-kosala-state.html |accessdate=4 February 2011 |title=Yahoo Search - Web Search }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Pramod Mishra also said, "We were forced to merge with Odisha in 1948. What this region has got after 60 years of merger? Only acute poverty and backwardness."[http://www.dailypioneer.com/228449/Kosal-activists-stage-rail-roko-in-Balangir-demand-separate-State.html Kosal activists stage rail roko in Balangir demand separate State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225347/http://www.dailypioneer.com/228449/Kosal-activists-stage-rail-roko-in-Balangir-demand-separate-State.html |date=3 March 2016 }} On Tuesday, 19 January 2010 The Pioneer BBSR edition reported about the allegation of CPI(M) State secretary Janardan Pati that the indifference on the parts of the two main political parties in the State, the BJD and the Congress, over the issue is encouraging the demands for separate states.[http://www.dailypioneer.com/230336/CPM-against-separate-States-in-Orissa.html The Pioneer :: Home : >> CPM against separate States in Orissa] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235757/http://www.dailypioneer.com/230336/CPM-against-separate-States-in-Orissa.html |date=3 March 2016 }} It was reported that members of the KKD and All Kosal Students' Union held a Raasta roko (roadblock) at different places on the Bargarh-Borigumma section of National Highway 201 and at Puintala on the Khurda-Balangir section of NH-224 for three hours from 10 am to 1 pm on 14 February 2010.[http://www.dailypioneer.com/236190/Kosal-Dal-holds-Rasta-Roko-seeks-separate-State.html The Pioneer :: Home : >> Kosal Dal holds Rasta Roko seeks separate State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031942/http://www.dailypioneer.com/236190/Kosal-Dal-holds-Rasta-Roko-seeks-separate-State.html |date=4 March 2016 }}

Led by the KKD and the Koshal State Coordination Committee (KSCC), it has been decided that 26th day of August every year will be observed as Kosal Bandh Day. From 2012 until 2015, the same was being observed in the region for demanding of a new separate state. All ten districts take part in the bandh.

{{quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote="Now Union Government and Government of Odisha should take immediate steps for creation of separate Kosal state, otherwise stir will intensify."|source=—Nirmal Das, spokesperson of Kosal Kranti Dal addressing the Bandh on Monday, 26 August 2013}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote="Mishandling of long pending demand for establishment of a bench of High Court in Western Odisha by the Odisha government is fueling the separate statehood issue."|source=—Sriballav Panigrahi, former Congress MP of Deogarh Lok Sabha constituency.}}

On 26 August 2013, a 12-hour Kosal Bandh was observed after a call given by the KSCC demanding separate Kosal state. Normal life in Sambalpur was paralysed as rail and road communications, shops and offices remained closed for the day. At a meeting held in Balangir on 10 August 2013, it was decided that there would be a bandh on 26 August 2013 in Western Odisha.{{cite web | url=http://sudhirmishrabolangir.blogspot.in/2013/08/demanding-seperate-kosal-state-there.html | title=Strike over Kosal demand-2013 | publisher=Sudhir Mishra | date=11 August 2013 | accessdate=27 August 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130012348/http://sudhirmishrabolangir.blogspot.in/2013/08/demanding-seperate-kosal-state-there.html | archive-date=30 January 2016 | url-status=live}}

The one-day shutdown evoked large response; shops, businesses and educational institutions remained closed while people took to rallies and staged demonstrations at many places. They also picketed central and state government offices, banks and other financial institutions. Agitators obstructed trains and highways; as result passengers train remained stranded. Both government and private buses remained off the road. Fuel stations, cinema halls, malls and other commercial centres remained closed. KKD, Kosal Raijya Kriyanushtan Committee, Kosal Sena and Kosal Parishad had jointly called for a bandh in the region.{{cite web| url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/bandh-affects-normal-life-in-sambalpur-634438.html| title=Strike over Kosal demand-2013| publisher=IBN Live| date=26 August 2013| accessdate=27 August 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042009/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/india/bandh-affects-normal-life-in-sambalpur-634438.html| archive-date=24 September 2015| url-status=live}}

On 26 August 2014, the region led by the KKD conducted their annual bandh. The Kosal coordination committee organized a motor cycle rally from Samaleswari temple of Bargarh town on 24 August 2014 to create awareness among locals regarding the campaign and ordered the bandh.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Cycle-rally-push-to-separate-state-demand-in-western-Odisha/articleshow/40857600.cms|title=Cycle rally push to separate state demand in western Odisha - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=24 August 2014 |access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827033623/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Cycle-rally-push-to-separate-state-demand-in-western-Odisha/articleshow/40857600.cms|archive-date=27 August 2014|url-status=live}}

The Balangir wing of Koshal State Coordination Committee (KSCC) took out a motorcycle rally in the town on Monday to alert the people to participate in the bandh. Gopalji Panigrahi of Balangir Action Committee said the fight for a state will continue until the demand is fulfilled by the Government of India.{{cite web | url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/26/12-hr-koshal-bandh-affects-life-in-10-western-odisha-dists | title=Strike over Kosal demand-2015 | work=Odisha Sun Times| date=26 August 2015 | accessdate=27 August 2015 | author=Odisha Sun Times Bureau | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826234137/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/26/12-hr-koshal-bandh-affects-life-in-10-western-odisha-dists/ | archive-date=26 August 2015 | url-status=usurped}}{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/West-Odisha-Bandh-over-Kosal-State-Today/2014/08/26/article2399084.ece | title=Strike over Kosal demand-2015 | publisher=The New Indian Express | date=26 August 2015 | accessdate=27 August 2015 | author=Express News Service | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130012348/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/West-Odisha-Bandh-over-Kosal-State-Today/2014/08/26/article2399084.ece | archive-date=30 January 2016 | url-status=dead}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote=

"We oppose the word 'Koshali'. The language of the region is known as 'Sambalpuri'. However, efforts are being made to change the name of the language to 'Koshali' on the pretext of a separate Koshal state. We do not oppose the demand of creation of a separate state but, we cannot accept the change of the name of the language."|source=—Deepak Panda, joint convener of Hirakhand Samukhya addressing their oppose to the Bandh}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote=

"In 1936 and 1948, the political leaders of Odisha merged our land with the State through a conspiracy. We are demanding a separate State as per the provisions of Article 2 and 3 of the Constitution. The only solution to the problems like regional imbalance, discrimination in education, employment, industrialisation and development is formation of a separate State".|source=—Pramod Kumar Mishra, Koshalbadi leader of Balangir}}

On 3 March 2016, members of the KKD and people of Western Odisha, led by the Balangir district president Bharat Prusti and general secretary of the All Kosal Students' Union Dolamani Pradhan, protested against the "continuous neglect and exploitation" by the Odisha government and demanded formation of a separate state. The demonstrators tore a map of Odisha and burnt a compact disc containing the song Bande Utkala Janani.[http://www.dailypioneer.com/328654/Kosal-outfit-tears-Orissa-map-demands-separate-State.html Kosal outfit tears Orissa map, demands separate State] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234828/http://www.dailypioneer.com/328654/Kosal-outfit-tears-Orissa-map-demands-separate-State.html |date=3 March 2016 }} The KKD also organised a massive rally and meeting, which was attended by delegates from eleven districts of Western Odisha. The president of KKD Pramod Mishra said the people had gathered to protest against their continuous exploitation by the successive Governments at Bhubaneswar.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}

The KSCC, composed of representatives of organisations in 10 districts, has called a 12-hour bandh in Western Odisha on 26 August 2016.{{cite web | url=http://odishatv.in/odisha/body-slider/supporters-opponents-clash-during-koshal-bandh-162803/ | title=OTV News | accessdate=4 September 2016}} The vehicular movement was also normal in the Sambalpur town despite the bandh call. Despite the KSCC's call, many organisations of Sambalpur including Hirakhand Samukhya, Sambalpur District Bar Association, Sambalpuri Bhasha Sanskruti Parishad and Bharati Samaj had asked people not to take part in the bandh.{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Mixed-response-to-Koshal-bandh/2016/08/27/article3598977.ece | title=Indian Express 26th August 16 | accessdate=4 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828202156/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Mixed-response-to-Koshal-bandh/2016/08/27/article3598977.ece | archive-date=28 August 2016 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}

The dawn-to-dusk shutdown observed by the KKD evoked a partial response in Sundargarh district, but normal life was disrupted.

{{cite web | url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Highway-blocked-in-Sundargarh/2016/08/27/article3598981.ece | accessdate=4 September 2016 | title=Highway blocked in Sundargarh | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828202535/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Highway-blocked-in-Sundargarh/2016/08/27/article3598981.ece | archive-date=28 August 2016 | url-status=bot: unknown}}Pritam Thakur

Pritam Thakur is a prominent Koshal activist and social worker, known for his independent thoughts and organizational skills since 2009. He is a revolutionary youth leader who has been actively involved in the Koshal movement, advocating for the region's autonomy and rights.

Early Life and Activism

Pritam Thakur began his journey as a conscious youth from the Koshal region. In 2014, he took an active role in the Koshal movement, contributing significantly to its growth and direction. His leadership inspired many young individuals to join the cause for the recognition of Koshal's identity and rights.

Mission 88 (2017)

In 2017, Pritam Thakur was the key architect of Mission 88, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Koshal movement. Under this mission, he successfully organized structures across 88 blocks, mobilizing youth and uniting them under a common cause. During this time, he served as the Secretary of the Kushal Youth Quotation Committee (KYCC), playing a vital role in shaping the youth wing of the movement.

Role in the 2018 Maha Bandh

Pritam Thakur’s leadership was instrumental during the Maha Bandh (mass shutdown) in 2018. Thanks to his dedication and organizational skills, the shutdown was observed widely across the Koshal region, making it a significant event in the movement's history. His strategic planning and ability to rally public support highlighted his influence as a dynamic leader.

Janajagaran Yatra

Under his leadership, the Janajagaran Yatra (Public Awareness March) was launched to spread awareness about the Koshal movement. This march united youth from various districts, fostering a strong sense of regional identity and purpose. During this yatra, Pritam Thakur met with fellow activist Akash Panda, an encounter that added new momentum to the movement, further strengthening its foundation and outreach.

Koshal Mukti Sena (KMS)

Currently, Pritam Thakur leads an organization named Koshal Mukti Sena (KMS), which continues to fight for the socio-political rights of the Koshal region. Under his guidance, KMS has become a significant force advocating for the aspirations of the Koshal people.

Legacy and Impact

Pritam Thakur’s leadership, dedication, and organizational prowess have left a lasting impact on the Koshal movement. He is not just a leader but also an inspiration to the youth, encouraging them to be conscious of their identity and rights. His relentless efforts have paved the way for a stronger, united Koshal movement, shaping the region's socio-political landscape

• Kosalananda Kavya
• Prem Ram Dubey
• Kosal Kranti Dal
• KOSHAL MUKTI SENA

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Proposed states and territories of India}}

{{Western Orissa}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kosal State Movement}}

Category:Proposed states and union territories of India

Category:Regionalism in India

Category:Reorganisation of Indian states