Normal life hit due to bandh called by Maoists

Malkangiri: Normal life was disrupted in some panchayats of Mathili block in the district today after Maoists called a bandh in Dandakaranya area protesting against anti-Maoist operations on Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.

Vehicular movement came to a grinding halt in the area as some major roads in Mahupadar, Salim, Kartanpalli and Kumarpalli areas were dug up by the Maoists.

Sources said, to leave a strong message of their dissidence, the extremists have also set fire some heavy vehicles including a jeep and a Haiwa in the area.

Sources added posters and banners showing protests over Operation Redhunt and airstrike were put up in the region. The bandh is understandably called by Darabha division as mentioned in the posters.

Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said, “We have intensified combing operation in the area and if needed we will seek help of Chhattisgarh government and undertake a joint operation.”