Maoist bandh evokes little response in Jharkhand

RANCHI: The CPI (Maoist)’s North India bandh called on Monday to protest the killing of its top five leaders in an encounter in Chatra district on April 3 remained peaceful in the state till evening.
Two special area committee members and three zonal commanders were killed in the encounter.
The Jharkhand police had sounded a general alert all over the state in view of the bandh.
The superintendents of police (SPs) were directed to conduct area-domination exercises and patrolling in the sensitive areas of their respective districts.
Police kept strict vigil in the areas with Maoist presence, including Chaibasa, Latehar and Parasnath in Giridih.
Police also coordinated with the railway protection forces to ensure the safety of the tracks.
A police officer involved in anti-extremist operation said, “We have our pickets deep inside the sensitive areas.”
Movement of public transport vehicles was less than normal, stated president of Federation of Jharkhand Chambers of Commerce and Industries Kishor Mantri.