Maoists bandh call affects normal life in Malkangiri

Malkangiri: Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at different places in Malkangiri today after buses under the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) kept off roads in view of the bandh call given by Maoists in the district.

The red rebels have been opposing the Polavaram project and Gurupriya bridge and had put up posters and banners at different places asking locals to observe the shutdown today.

Meanwhile bus services by private operators and other vehicles also remained suspended adding to woes of the commuters. “I have been waiting for bus at the bus stand since 6.30 am. But I am told that the service has been suspended today. Rain has worsened the situation,” said a passenger.

“I did not know of the bandh else I would not have left home. The rains have worsened the situation,” said another passenger who had to stay put at the bus depot for long hours.

The district administration tightened security and intensified frisking of vehicles in the area in view of bandh.