Despite tight security arrangements across Odisha on Independence Day, Left wing extremists today hoisted black flags and put up banners in at least five locations in Maoist-dominated Malkangiri district but there was no report of any untoward incident.
The Maoists, who had called for boycott of Independence Day, hoisted black flags at Luler under Mathili police station area and Omarpali in Odisha-Chhattishgarh border, police said.
This apart, black flags and black banners were also found at Bodigata, Kelrai and MV-90 areas.
The Maoist banners opposed police action in the area and demanded withdrawal of Central forces from Malkangiri district. The banners were later removed by the police.
There was no report of any untoward incident in any part of the district, police claimed adding that government buses had stopped plying the Motu, MV-79 and Padia areas due to the boycott call by the Maoists.
Elsewhere in Odisha, Independence Day was celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm amid tight security.
Prasanta Patnaik