Life hit in cut-off villages

MALKANGIRI: Normal life was hit in the cut-off region of Balimela reservoir in the district on the second day of the two-day Maoist bandh on Monday. All the educational institutions, business establishments and government offices remained closed in eight gram panchayats of Kudmulgumma block. Launch services, the only mode of transport in the block, too remain suspended. Over the years, the cut-off area has turned into a safe haven for the Maoists. Absence of road communication and  government machinery has made it easy for the Maoists to establish their base.Nuapada: Villages in the district bordering Chhattisgarh wore a deserted look on the second day of the Maoist bandh.  In Nuapada, Komna, Sinapali and Boden blocks, schools remained closed. With intelligence reports of Maoists being holed up inside Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary after being chased by security forces in Khaprakhol area of Balangir district, combing has been intensified in the district. Nuapada SDPO Prafulla Patra said a close vigil is being kept on Maoist movement in the sanctuary.