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.
Preparations for the Maha Kumbh are in full swing in the holy city of Prayagraj. Not only in the
Hardik Pandya started his captaincy career in international cricket with a win. Team India won th
Now only a few days are left for the start of the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2
TikTok vs YouTube: Tik Tok rating reduced from 4.7, know what is the whole matter
TikTok vs YouTube: There has been a new kind of war between the fans of YouTube and Tiktok on Twi
The Finance Ministry has announced Non-Productivity Linked Bonus (Adhoc Bonus) to Central Governm
Kyrgyz Republic: Jaishankar wishes the people of Kyrgyz Republic on their 31st Independence Day
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday greeted the government and people of the Kyrg
Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday gave a notice of breach of privileg
Changes have started appearing on Twitter under the new verification system. Blue ticks have been
Vikram Hospitalized: South actor Vikram's health deteriorated, admitted to Chennai hospital
Ponniyin Selvan Vikram Hospitalized: The health of South cinema veteran Vikram has suddenly deter
Pakistan is behind the Khalistanis in Canada and Indians are the target, a new conspiracy revealed
Khalistani supporters (PKE) in Canada are continuously targeting the people of the Indian communi
