Maoist shutdown hits parts of Odisha

Bhubaneswar, May 16 (IANS) Transport in parts of southern Odisha was hit and several shops downed shutters as Maoists called for a daylong shutdown against the central government's proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and other issues.

Authorities kept government buses off the road in some areas of the Maoist strongholds of Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal and Gajapati districts for security reasons, a police official told IANS.

Commuters were hit as private transport services did not run either in interior parts of the districts, the official said.

The impact was seen most in Narayan Patna area of Koraput district with all shops downing their shutters, he said.

The guerrillas had pasted posters and distributed leaflets in the region against the government's proposed anti-terror hub, which they said was aimed at crushing those fighting for 'democratic rights' of the people.

The Maoists have also called for an end to operations against them and the release of several of their comrades from different jails.

Maoists are active in more than half of the state.