Phulbani: Maoists resorted to road blockades by cutting down standing trees in several parts of Kandhamal district to protest the gunning down of seven of its cadres, including top leaders, last month by security forces.

The NH-59 was blocked by the rebels leaving several vehicles stranded and bringing the traffic to halt.

They also put up posters at several remote places of these districts urging people to support them and oppose the indiscriminate killing of Maoists by security forces.

On May 13, the security forces had gunned down seven Maoists during combing operations in forested areas of Kandhamal district. The 24-hour bandh by the Maoiststhrew vehicular traffic out of gear with armed cadres blocking the state and national highways by cutting down standing trees.

No untoward incident was reported in the bandh called by the outlawed Maoists' outfit.

"Vigil has been intensified and combing operation has also been stepped up to drive the rebels out from their hideouts," said Kandhamal superintendent of police Prateek Singh. The state had witnessed 52 Maoist-related violence from various parts in 2017.

The situation is a matter of concern in eight districts -Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Angul, Bolangir and Bargarh.

Last year, there has been no reports of Maoist activities in Gajapati, Jajpur, Nabarangpur, Mayurbhanj and Dhenkanal districts. According to a report by the state home department, the Left-wing extremism remained under control in Nuapada, Boudh, Nayagarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Sundargarh.