Alert in Orissa ahead of Maoists shutdown call

BHUBANESWAR - Orissa Police have increased vigil in three southern districts of Malkangiri, Rayagada and Koraput and closely checked all incoming and outgoing vehicles during an economic blockade Sunday. The guerrillas have given a shutdown call for Tuesday.

“We have sounded alert in the three southern districts. We have increased the vigil at strategic locations. All the incoming and outgoing vehicles are being checked at different points,” Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeev Panda said.

Maoists have called for an economic blockade Sunday and Monday and gave a shutdown call for Tuesday in the three districts. “The Maoists have called for two days of economic blockade and one day shutdown,” Panda added.

Maoists have felled trees blocking road at several places in Koraput and Malkangiri districts to enforce the economic blockade.

Passenger services have been partially hit as government buses remained off the road in these districts.

“The government buses are not plying, but private buses are running as usual,” he added.