Phulbani/Rayagada: The bandh called by Maoists in Kandhamal and Rayagada districts, in protest against the killing of five tribals at Gumudimaha village in Kandhamal district July 8, partially affected normal life in the area Monday.
The call was given by Bansdhara-Ghumshar-Nagabali division of CPI Maoists. Vehicles were off roads and shops and commercial establishments were closed, in response to the bandh call.
The Maoists demanded a compensation of `25 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased and `10 lakh to the injured. They also urged the government to file murder cases against the erring security personnel. The authorities deployed adequate security personnel to deal with any eventuality.
A report from Daringbadi said the bandh disrupted normal life in the hill station.
Vehicles stayed off roads, traders downed their shutters and works in all government and private offices was severely hit. The positive response to the bandh call has triggered apprehension about presence of Maoists in the area.
Commuters had a harrowing time buses stopped plying to Phulbani, Raikia and Berhampur and other destinations from 6am.
The effect of bandh was severely felt in adjoining areas like Brahmanigaon, Simanbadi, Budaguda and Gadapur.
Apprehending trouble, police kept a close watch on the situation and intensified patrolling, Daringbadi IIC Baba Shankar Saraf said. However, no untoward incident was reported, he added. PNN
