Mixed response to naxalite bandh in Bastar

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Mar 29 (UNI) Shops remained closed while vehicles remained off the roads today in the wake of a bandh call by the Communist Party of India (Maoists) in the tribal areas of South Bastar region.

The naxalites had given a call for bandh, demanding withdrawal of the Chhattisgarh Special Peoples' Security Act, formulated by the state to deal with unlawful activities, particularly the Maoist activities in the state.

Reports received from remote tribal areas said weekly markets remained closed and vehicles remained off the roads.

Geedam-Bhopalpattnam, Konta-Sukma, Kontegaon-Narayanpur and other important roads wore a deserted look due to the bandh.

Meanwhile, police exchanged fire with naxalites at the Chintalnar police station last night.

Maoists had also killed a youth at Erabor for actively participating in 'Salwa Judum', the ongoing campaign against naxalites.

Naxalites had stepped up violence in the tribal areas of Bastar during the last six months, particularly after the local people, with the support of mainstream political parties including the ruling BJP and the Congress, launched 'Salwa Judum'', a campaign to motivate the youth to disassociate themselves from the Maoists.

More than 45,000 people have deserted their villages and taken shelter at relief camps set by the state government fearing naxalite violence against of the ongoing 'Salwa Judum' movement.

UNI XC-JJ PR DB1857