Malkangiri/Semiliguda: Posing a serious challenge to the administration, the ultras Friday observed a Black Day on Republic Day in many panchayats of Chitrakonda block in this district.
The Maoists, as per their earlier declarations, hoisted black flags on various schools and headquarters of Papulur, Kurmanur, Jodamba, Janti, Panasput, Andrapali, Gajalmamudi, Valegada and Dhuliput panchayats.
They put up posters and banners asking people to join their ‘fresh struggle for democracy’. The posters were pasted on behalf of Kalimela regional committee of CPI(Maoist), a report said.
Similarly, the ultras managed to prevent people from celebrating Republic Day in various regions of Koraput and observed bandh.
While the Republic Day was not observed in a project primary school of Sorisapadar panchayat, the upgraded government high school here was also found locked. The students of Matiaguda primary school in the panchayat too stayed away from the celebration.
When asked, the villagers said they were not aware of the occasion. While the schools in Dekaguda and Bandaguda villages remained closed, the roads wore a deserted look. People of Bhitarakota, Khasuguda, Dumuriguda, Malimaula and Kotia supported the bandh call given by the ultras, a report said. PNN