Kandhamal: Just ahead of the Republic Day, Maoist posters were found in several places in Kurtamgarh area of Kandhamal district opposing the policies of Central Government and the alleged violence of security personnel against the tribal communities. Posters were also put up by Maoists at several places in Bolangir and Malkangiri districts yesterday ahead of their call for Bharat bandh from January 25 to January 31.
Through these posters, the CPI (Maoists) have urged the locals to observe the ‘Pratibad Saptah’ (protest week) from January 25 to January 31.
In view of this, the Kandhamal district administration has suspended bus services to avoid any untoward incident. Reportedly, 13 buses plying in as many as 10 routes from Phulbani have been stopped.
A few posters were also recovered from Chandahandi ghat in Umerkote of Nabrangpur district. The ultras have blocked the Chandahandi-Jharigaon road by felling trees, as a mark of their protest.
In Bolangir, Maoist posters were found in Karlamal village under Khaprakhole block. The group has called for Bharat bandh protesting against the oppressive policies of the Centre and the Odisha government. The Bolangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division of Maoists group reportedly pasted the posters announcing the bandh and has sought support from the people.
Similar posters seeking support for the nation-wide bandh were also found at Sarukabandh in Chitrakonda of Malkangiri district. The posters urged the people to observe the seven-day bandh from January 25 till January 31, sources said.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the naxal-hit districts with heavy force deployment and intensive patrolling.