Balasore, Oct 6 (UNI) Life in this north Orissa town was paralysed today, due to a dawn-to-dusk bandh called for the establishment of a government medical college and hospital.

A Joint Action Committee had been formed for today's agitation with support extended by all political parties, trade unions, women and student bodies and youth organisations of the district.

Sources said except train services, which resumed after an hour- long demonstration at the station, all other services came to a grinding halt.

Almost all shops, business establishments, banks, financial institutions, post offices and telecom offices besides the educational institutions were closed.

Though government offices and courts remained open, they were unable to function due to the demonstration.

Official sources said the bandh was by and large peaceful barring stray incidents of vehicle damage by the bandh agitators. No major untoward incident had been reported during the period, Three persons were taken into custody for trying to block the railway tracks.

The 201 Up and 2509 Down Bangalore-Guwahati Express were detained at Balasore station for a short duration.

UNI