India - on Day 2 of Red bandh

Ranchi: The last day of the Maoist bandh in four states went without violence. But the impact of the bandh was felt in rural areas as people preferred to stay at home despite tight security. Security was stepped up in important locations and across highways, which are vulnerable to Maoists attacks – in the past, Maoists had torched vehicles on highways for defying bandh. “Highways remain mostly deserted. In some pockets which are considered vulnerable buses did not ply,” police spokesperson S N Pradhan said.
The vigil along railway tracks passing through forested areas was increased. Police found an IED (improvised explosive device) near a railway track in West Singhbhum district on Monday. The bandh, however, had little impact on cities. In Giridih, all modes of transport, including long distance buses and other vehicles on the highways, remained as usual across the region.

“Although, no untoward incident was reported. Adequate forces were deployed at most of the Naxal infested areas. Apart from other suspected locations in Pirtand, Dumri, Nimiyghat, Tisri, Deori, Bagodar and others, securities were tightened across the main roads, railway stations and a few other locations,” said Giridih SP A B Variar.
Three consecutive encounters between the security forces and the Maoists were witnessed during an anti – Naxal operations, which started 24 hour ahead of the Maoists band call on May 1 and ended yesterday morning. The Maoists have called the bandh in West Bengal, Odisa, Jharkhand and Bihar in support of a better life of farmers.