Maoists observe 24-hour bandh in four Odisha districts

Phulbani: Maoists are observing a 24-hour bandh in four districts of Odisha today protesting death of five rebels during encounter with security forces recently.

The Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of CPI (Maoist) has given the bandh call in the four districts.

However, there was no significant effect of the bandh call in these districts as shops and business establishments remained open while vehicular movement was normal.

The extremists had yesterday blocked the Baliguda-Kantamala road by placing trees. Besides, several posters were found in Kandhamal district in which the Maoists had condemned the killings.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the districts to maintain law and order and avoid any untoward incidents.

Notably, five Maoists were killed during a combing operation by police and Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel in Sudukumpa forest of Kandhamal district on May 13.