Security beefed up as Maoists call for Jharkhand bandh

Bhubaneswar: In view of the bandh call given by Maoists in Jharkhand on last day of the Martyrs’ Week (Shahid Saptah) today, security has been tightened in bordering areas of Odisha.

While combing operation conducted jointly by Odisha police and CRPF has been intensified in Bisra, Chandiposh, Topadihi and K. Balang area, more than 60 buses travelling from Rourkela to Jharkhand and Bihar have been stopped following which commuters are facing a difficult time.

Similarly, security was stepped up in Naxal-affected Malkangiri and other areas to avoid any untoward incident.

According to sources, Maoists have distributed pamphlets and put up posters at many places informing about the bandh.

The red rebels started observing the Martyrs’ Week on July 28 protesting police atrocities against the innocent.