Phulhani (Odisha): Normal life was
affected during a 12-hour bandh called by Kui Samaj Samnwaya
Samittee (KSSS) in Kandhamal district today to press for its
demands including action against people enjoying tribal
benefits with the help of fake certificates.
Shops, business establishments, educational
institutions and banks remained closed while vehicular traffic
remained off the road in Phulbani, Baliguda, Raikia, Kotagada,
Tumudibandh and G Udayagiri areas, official sources said.
However, places under Maoist infested Daringibadi
block evoked mixed response to the bandh, apparently under
threat from red rebels who put up posters asking the people
not to observe the bandh.
Posters put up at Sarangagada and Daringbadi said:
"Those who oppose celebration of Christian festival
(Christmas) will be awarded death penalty".
The KSSS which had called a four-day district bandh
from December 24 later decided to observe only a day-long
shut-down today.
Meanwhile, secretary of G Udayagiri unit of KSSS
Pradip Mallik said unless their demands were fulfilled, they would
again observe bandh on January 25 and 26.
Though the bandh was largely peaceful, one person of
Madinata village under Baliguda police station filed a police
complaint that his thatched house had been set ablaze by
unknown attackers while his family was at the church.
The police, however, said after inquiry that it
appeared to be a case of accident.
First Published: Monday, December 26, 2011, 18:05