Mixed response to NPMO strike in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Dec 14 (UNI) The 24-hour nationwide strike, called by the National Platform of Mass Organisations(NPMO) in protest against ''anti-people'' policies of the UPA government, evoked mixed response in the state today.

The strike affected train services forcing the East Coast Railways (ECoR) authorities to detain 13 mail, express trains and eight passenger trains at various stations following squatting by the agitators at various places in Orissa.

Most of the shops and other business establishments were closed, while vehicles were off the road.

Functioning in the commercial Banks was paralysed all over the state.

At many places the protesters were seen picketing before the Banks in support of the strike.

In the state capital, the bandh demonstrators burnt tyres at busy squares affecting the normal movement of traffic.

However, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state during the strike.

Sources said all major public sector undertakings like the Rourkela Steel Plant, the National Aluminum Company Limited(NALCO), Paradip Port and Mahanadi Coalfield Limited(MCL) and the government offices are functioning normally.

Biju Patnaik Airport authority said except for Kolkata-Bhubaneswar route, the flight services were operating as usual.

The Indian Airlines had terminated the Bangalore-Kolkata flight at Bhubaneswar, while the Deccan Airlines cancelled its Kolkata-Bhubaneswar flight.

UNI DP SJC SSC SSC1426