Bhubaneswar, Jan 25 (Inditop.com) Normal life was affected in parts of Orissa as Maoists began a two-day statewide shutdown and economic blockade Monday, protesting alleged police excessess and violation of human rights.
Government and private passenger vehicles stayed off the roads in some areas of Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. The movement of vehicles was thin in some pockets of tribal-dominated Kandhamal district.
“Road traffic have been affected in some places of southern Orissa and in some interior areas of Kandhamal district,” Inspector General of Police (Operation) Sanjeev Marik told Inditop.
“No violence has been reported so far from any part of the state. Schools, colleges, private and government offices and shops are functioning as usual,” he said.
Maoists have circulated posters and banners in areas considered as their stronghold, appealing people to boycott Republic Day celebrations and observe it as a black day. The rebels are active in more than half of Orissa’s 30 districts.
