Bandh in Raibaga demanding protection from Maoist

Rourkela, Aug 8 (UNI) A dawn-to-dusk bandh passed off peacefully in the small town of Raibaga in Sundargarh district today in protest against the failure of police to provide protection to the local from the Maoists.

All shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed and vehicles remained off the road as the people responded to the bandh call spontaneously.

The bandh supporters alleged that the Maoists active in the area were indulging in extorting money forcibly from the local businessmen but police had failed to provide them with protection.

They further said unable to cope with the demand of the Maoists, as many as six families had already left the area.

They demanded the authorities to deploy adequate policemen in Raibaga, Rajgangpur and Biramitrapur to save them from frequent Maoist threats.

Sundergarha District Superintendent of Police Narasingha Bhol admitted that existing police force was inadequate.

He, however, maintained that policemen were being reorganised from time to time keeping in view the prevailing situation.

He said more police force would be deployed soon, adding the Raibaga police station would be fortified on priority basis.

UNI XC-BD SJC RL BD1848