In Orissa, thousands defy Maoist boycott call to celebrate R-Day
By IANSMonday, January 25, 2010
BHUBANESWAR - Thousands of people, including women and children, Tuesday participated in Republic Day celebrations across Orissa, defying the boycott call by Maoists.
Orissa Governor Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare took the salute at the Republic Day parade held in state capital Bhubaneswar. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik hoisted the tri-colour at Cuttack.
Patnaik in his address highlighted the various steps taken by his government and reaffirmed his commitment to building a prosperous state.
Thousands of people attended the celebrations both in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack amid tight security. No untoward incidents have been reported, a senior state police officer told IANS.
Patnaik took the salute at an impressive parade at 8.30 a.m. despite his office Monday receiving a threat email. The email sender threatened to kill Patnaik if he visited Cuttack, some 26 km from here, to celebrate Republic Day.
The sender threatened to kill Patnaik if a jailed woman Maoist Saswati Das, wife of Orissa’s most wanted rebel leader Sabyasachi Panda, is not released immediately. She was arrested Jan 15.
Maoists are observing a two-day state-wide shutdown and economic blockade from Monday, protesting alleged police excessess and violation of human rights.
The rebels circulated posters and banners in areas considered their stronghold appealing people to boycott the Republic Day celebrations and observe a black day. The rebels are active in more than half of Orissa’s 30 districts.
–Indio-Asian News Service
