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.
Oppo Reno 5 Pro 5G getting a chance to buy 3500 rupees cheaply, know which phone will be competing
If you are thinking of buying Oppo Reno 5 Pro 5G, the premium phone of Chinese smartphone company
The Government of Sri Lanka has also approved the Indian Rupee as an international currency. Now
Now the Congress got a setback in Odisha, the working president left the party; Signs to go to BJD
The Congress, which is facing internal strife in many states of the country, has now suffered a s
Digital revolution: Metaverse to replace Zoom meetings, tech companies vying for investment
One thing is on everyone's lips these days in California - the next war in Silicon Valley will be
Canada-India Row The political crisis between Canada and India is now deepening. India had reacte
Mary Kom to be brand ambassador of northeast
New Delhi/Agartala, March 15 (IANS) The central government will appoint Olympic medallist boxer
The United Arab Emirates i.e. UAE government has taken a big decision to promote trade in the cou
The popular show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been getting the love of the audience for ma
Pyongyang The life of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (36) is said to be in danger. According t
India, Bahrain to start talks on defence cooperation
New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) India and key Gulf partner Bahrain have agreed to start negotiations o
