Berhampur (Odisha): Despite a bandh call
given by Maoists, the fourth phase of three-tier panchayat
election passed off peacefully in the naxal-hit areas in
Odisha's Ganjam and Kandhamal districts on Friday.
The elections for four blocks in Ganjam district,
including the Maoist-infested Sorada and three blocks in
Kandhamal district-Phiringia, Khajuripada and Phulbani went to
poll in the fourth phase.
With this, election for panchayat polls in all 12
blocks in Kandhamal district was completed.
"Bandh called by Maoists had no impact on polling,"
said a senior police officer.
Maoists have called two-day bandh in Ganjam and
Kandhamal districts since yesterday protesting against the
arrest of their three cadres by Ganjam police recently.
The bandh call evoked partial response in some pockets
like Daringibadi, Bramhanigaon and Kotagarh as vehicular
traffic were hit and shops closed for the second day.
Government offices and educational institutes ran as
usual, said an officer.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 17, 2012, 19:09