State hit by Maoists bandh

Impact of the shut-down was felt in districts like Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Ganjam and Sundargarh as private and government buses and stopped plying and shops and business establishments downed their shutters, police sources said.

Offices and educational institutions recorded thin attendance and roads wore a deserted look, particularly in remote areas in these districts, they said.

Security was tightened in Maoist-hit areas with heavy force deployment and intensive patrolling in vulnerable places to prevent any untoward incident, police said adding no violence was reported from anywhere in the state.

In Malkangiri district, vehicular movement virtually came to a halt as inter-state buses were off the road and private vehicles were seen in reduced numbers. Impact of the bandh was more pronounced in areas like Motu, Chitrakonda, Padia and Mthili, while a large number of posters and banners were found in Gobindpali ghati, sources said.

In Koraput district, Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon and Baipariguda were affected by the shut-down.

Shops and business outfits remained closed in Daringbadi, Tumudibandh, Brahmanigaon, Kotagada, Baliguda and Raikia areas of Kandhamal district.

Workers did not turn up at Kalta and Koida mines in Sundargarh district bordering Jharkhand. Life was hit in remote areas of the district.