Bhubaneswar, Feb 28 (IANS) The day-long shutdown called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to protest against the ban on the entry of its top leader Pravin Togadia hit normal life in Odisha's Kandhamal district Saturday, police said.
People and commercial vehicles stayed off the roads in most places including the district headquarter town of Phulbani. Shops, hotels and business establishments also downed shutters, district superintendent of police Kanwar Vishal Singh told IANS.
"Some shops are opened here and there. Although four wheelers stayed off the roads, bikes and two wheelers are operating as usual. Emergency services such as hospitals were operating normally. The shutdown has remained uneventful so far," he said.
Togadia was scheduled to address a gathering of VHP supporters at Phulbani Saturday.
The VHP called the shutdown after authorities imposed a ban on Togadia's entry into the district following apprehension that it might disturb the peace.
VHP leader Bhagaban Mohanty accused the local administration of double standards. "While it had allowed Christian missionaries to hold meetings in the region in the past, we do not understand why it restricted Togadia," he said.
At least 38 people were killed and thousands had to flee their homes following widespread communal violence in the region in 2008 after the murder of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
Different Christian groups had moved the local and state administration seeking a ban on the proposed visit of Togadia, saying his fiery speeches might upset the fragile peace between communities.
Elon Musk followed PM Modi on Twitter, users are giving this reaction
Twitter chief and billionaire Elon Musk has started following Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twi
The disturbing news is coming from Maharashtra's Washim district. Here, 229 students and 3 staff
Good news for railway passengers: travel first, pay fare later, take advantage of this facility
Travelers, please take note... There is good news for you. Now even if you do not have money, you
The National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) has found L'Oreal India and India Bulls Real Estat
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi often remains in the discussion about his controversial sta
Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Chirag Paswan blamed JDU for the split in his party. He rejected
Congress should accept coal block responsibility: Naidu
New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) Not just an individual but the Congress party should take the respon
Pakistan News: Shortly after opening the Afghan-Pakistan border crossing was closed again
On Thursday, the important border with Afghanistan, which was closed by Pakistan, was closed agai
The discussion of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt's marriage is in full swing. Now the news is comin
The sport of Jallikattu continues in Tamil Nadu. The third day's play began at 8 am at Alanganall
