Kandhamal bandh affects life

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.