Malkangiri, Aug 16: Members of Hindu Jagran Manch (HJM) on Friday observed a 12-hour bandh in Odisha's Malkangiri, protesting over the ongoing atrocities against Hindus by Islamists in Bangladesh and alleged infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into the district.

The dawn-to-dusk bandh, called by the HJM, a Hindu activist group affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), began at 6 AM in the district.

The protestors, carrying banners and flags, raised slogans against the ongoing attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister and fled to India.

"We will not tolerate attacks on Hindu community in Bangladesh; we will also not allow the Bangladeshi intruders in our area" said a protester.

Shops, markets and financial institutions kept their shutters down, while schools, colleges and government offices were closed in the district headquarters town.

The HJM activists also blocked the NH 326 crossing Malkangiri town following which vehicular movement was affected in the area. The commuters also faced difficulties to reach their destinations.

However, emergency services continued to remain unaffected.

Yesterday, as many as 12 people suspected as Bangladeshi intruders were detained in Odisha’s Paradip. They are reportedly communicating in Bengali language.

Considering the possibility of infiltration by Bangladeshi intruders into the State, Odisha police has been keeping a strong vigil in the bus stands, sea beaches and other entry points across the State.

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