RAIPUR: Security forces in Chhattisgarh and the adjoining Maoist-affected states have been asked to remain extra-cautious as all preventive measures have been upgraded in the wake of ‘Bharat bandh‘ call on Monday given by the outlawed CPI (Maoist).
The rebels have called for a nationwide shutdown to protest against the alleged “anti-people” policies of the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government.
“Maoists are attempting to carry out disruptive activities like blocking and damaging of roads, striking railways, attacking soft targets and public properties during the bandh. It's their modus operandi. We are taking every measure to detect, prevent and thwart such attacks and will also ensure that people don’t suffer,” Bastar zone police chief P Sunderraj told TNIE.
The Red Brigade has a strong presence across the seven districts of Bastar range.
Besides beefing-up security, combing operations have been intensified even as anti-Maoist campaigns continue across the various pockets of strife-torn Bastar in south Chhattisgarh, the officer added.
The police have recovered pamphlets and a few banners in support of the bandh from the districts of Bijapur and Sukma.
The railways has decided not to run the only passenger train, cited as lifeline of Bastar, from Kirandul (in Dantewada) to Jagdalpur (the district headquarters of Bastar) on Monday. The movement of goods trains across the Maoist heartland will also remain halted during the 24-hour bandh call.
Forces are maintaining strict vigil and have strengthened security in areas, which happen to be soft targets like National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), railways and other major government installations.