Maoists fire at running train during bandh

Bhubaneswar (Orissa), Feb 7 (PTI) Maoist ultras firedat a running train in Orissa where normal life was hit inseveral Maoist-hit areas in the Bharat bandh called by themagainst price rise and scams in different sectors.

About 35 ultras fired at Barsuan-Rourkela passengertrain this afternoon at Pattasahi in Sundargarh district.

However, no casualty or injury has been reported, police said.

This is the only train connecting Rourkela and Barsuanto carry passengers working in the mining belt.

After firing, the rebels fled the scene.

Mining activities in K Balanag and Barsuan mines weresuspended as the workers did not turn up.

The impact of the bandh was also felt in districtslike Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal andGanjam as private and government buses were off the road andshops and business establishments downed shutters.

Offices and educational institutions recorded thinattendance and roads wore deserted, particularly in remoteareas in these districts, officials in Bhubaneswar said.

Security was tightened in Maoist-hit areas with heavyforce deployment and intensive patrolling in vulnerable placesto prevent any untoward incident, police said, adding noviolence was reported from anywhere in the state.