Post News Network
Phulbani, Dec 25: Even as Christmas was celebrated across the communally sensitive Kandhamal district with religious fervour and gaiety, a dawn-to-dusk bandh called by the Kui Samaj Samanwaya Samiti (KSSS), a tribal outfit, partially affected normal life Friday. Reports said the bandh was by and large peaceful.
The impact of the strike was particularly felt in Phulbani, K Nugaon, Sarangada, Tikabali and Chakpada areas where buses and other means of transport came to a halt. Commuters had a harrowing time as they were left stranded at different places.
The KSSS called for the bandh following the failure of its talks with the district administration over its long-pending 34-point charter of demands.
The streets in Raikia wore a deserted look with business establishments, banks and restaurants remaining closed. Markets, however, were opened at Daringbadi, but bus services were paralysed.
To ward off untoward incidents, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the district.
“We are fully alert and have deployed sufficient forces to avoid any untoward incidents during the bandh,” Kandhamal SP KB Singh said.
The district administration has made adequate arrangements for maintenance of peace in the area. Vehicles entering the district are being checked, churches have been provided with adequate security and police patrolling has been intensified.
However, the bandh had no impact at Tumudibandh, Kotgarh, Baliguda, Phiringia and Khajuripada.
Collector Jamini Sarangi admitted that the bandh affected normal life at certain places.
KSSS president Lambodar Kanhar regretted that although the state government had promised in the past to look into their demands but it has not yet taken any initiative to fulfill most of them.
The demands included strict action against those who have used fake caste certificates to get government jobs and avail other benefits.
Sources said the organisation also plans to hold memorial meetings at different parts to observe the death anniversary of a tribal killed during the riots at Barkhama near Baliguda December 25, 2007. PNN