A two-day bandh called by the Maoists in Malkangiri and parts of Koraput district demanding pullout of security forces engaged in anti-Maoist operation and halt to alleged torture of tribal women, evoked lukewarm response on the first day on Friday.
Security has been tightened throughout the area and along the border of two neighbouring States of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which were sealed off in view of the bandh, Malkangiri SP Akhileswar Singh said.
Although the bandh called by Malkangiri Maoists Divisional Committee had little impact, normal life was affected to some extent in the ultras-infested strongholds like Kalimela, Padia and
MV-79 in the hinterland, the police said. Vehicular traffic was thin all over the district while Government offices functioned normally.