Maoist shutdown hits life in tribal districts of Orissa

BHUBANESWAR - Normal life was disrupted in tribal-dominated districts of Orissa as a 24-hours shutdown called by Maoists against government policies began in the state Monday, police said.

The shutdown affected many places in southern Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Malkangiri districts. Shops remained closed in the interior areas.

“Government buses have gone off the roads. Private vehicles are, however, plying,” Sanjeeb Panda, deputy inspector general of police (south west range), told IANS.

Posters opposing the anti-Maoist operation, government’s investment policy, setting up of special economic zones and displacement of people were found in several places of these districts.