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.
The study of higher education will no longer be just for collecting degrees, diplomas, and certif
Delhi Govt’s Cancer Hospital Shuts After Doctor Tests Positive For Coronavirus
अधिकारियों ने बुधवार को कहा कि दिल्ल
There is a lot of discord in the Congress ... And this time the news has not come from the source
Corona cases are increasing continuously in Uttar Pradesh. On Wednesday, 261 cases have been foun
166 Confession of the Jamaatians: 'Maulana Saad had asked to stay in Markaz'
New Delhi: A total of 166 deposits have been questioned, including the sons and relatives of Maul
Rahul Gandhi Visit: Rahul Gandhi reached Amritsar, met flood victims in Ajnala, and Ramdas.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, is on a visit to Punjab today. He will visit the
New Delhi: Stones were thrown at the convoy of BJP National President JP Nadda in the Diamond Har
Russia's big charge: American warship tried to infiltrate our waters, we chased and chased
Russia's Defense Ministry alleged on Friday that we stopped a US Navy warship from infiltrating i
High-end Italian fashion brand Gucci has become the first major fashion brand in the world to sta
UGC NET Answer Key 2023: NET JRF answer key is about to be released, this is how you can check
UGC NET JRF Answer Key 2023: The National Testing Agency will soon release the answer key for the
