Maoists' bandh over Nandigram peaceful in Bihar

Patna, Nov 19 (UNI) The 48-hour Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal bandh called by Maoist ultras to protest the violence in Nandigram, had failed to evoke any significant response in Bihar.

State headquarter sources here said no untoward incident had so far been reported from any area during the first day of the bandh call, adding that it had failed to evoke any response in the state.

Special vigil was being maintained in the extremist-affected areas, sensitive pockets and public places.

Security had been tightened in and around the vital installations and patrolling had been intensified on the Indo-Nepal border adjoining Bihar.

Security had also been enhanced in the border areas adjoining Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Besides, the traffic movement was normal and the trains plied as per their schedule, the sources added.

Majority of the business establishments and other institutions in the remote areas remained open throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the state government sounded high alert across the state in view of the bandh and the Superintendents of Police (SPs) were directed to keep extra vigil on the Maoists' activities.

Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Anil Sinha said additional police forces, including the State Auxiliary Police (SAP) and CRPF had been deployed in the naxal-dominated districts to foil any attempts by the extremists to enforce the bandh.

Apprehending attacks by the Maoists, intensive raids were being carried out in the extremist-dominated areas of the state.

UNI