Maoists Observe 'Bandh' In Odisha, Communication Disrupted In Some Places

Bhawanipatna: Commuters encountered major problem as Maoists observed 'bandh' by blocking roads in several parts of Odisha including Karlapat Sanctuary near Jakum under Kalahandi district on Monday.

As per reports, the extremists blocked Thuamul-Rampur-Bhawanipatna road with uprooted trees and prohibited communication on the route protesting the attack on their leader Barbara by security forces.

The posters found near the blocked sites suggested that the ultras also condemned the killing of their comrades in Tumudibandha, Sirla and Sirki jungles recently.

As per the latest reports, the police have already cleared the road allowing the traffic to move freely on the route.

Speaking to the media, Kalahandi SP, Sharavana Vivek said, "The Maoists had obstructed road in two places near Jakum, but we have already made arrangements to clear the road of obstructions."

"The Maoists in the area are in back foot owing to the lessened support from the locals. I call upon them to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream to avail several rehabilitation schemes of the government," said Vivek.

Not only in Kalahandi, the left wing extremists blocked the main road near Ranigumma under Katagada police limits in Kandhamal district as well.

Some posters belonging to Bansadhara-Nagabali-Ghumusara Divisional Maoist Committee were found in the Ranigumma area warning the locals and administration against use of force against them. Moreover, they abhorred the call for surrender by the Odisha DGP recently.

However, the police have already cleared the road for a smooth flow of traffic.

Similarly, the LWEs had called for a bandh in Rayagada as well. But, the impact of the bandh was seen to be insignificant as markets were doing business as usual in the district. However, the police forces have been deployed in the sensitive areas to thwart any untoward incident.

(Edited By Ramakanta Biswas)